voluntarily

[vol-uhn-tair-uh-lee, vol-uhn-ter-]

adverb

1. of one’s own accord or by free choice.

   Students were mostly attending the sessions voluntarily, so they were reasonably well-behaved.

2. by volunteers, or in a way that depends on voluntary action.

   The Political Science Club is a politically neutral and voluntarily operated nonprofit organization.

Other Word Forms

• unvoluntarily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of voluntarily¹

voluntary ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Will businesses pass those costs on to consumers, or will they voluntarily swallow the costs — possibly reducing their CEOs’ annual bonuses?

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In the past, however, typically presidents have voluntarily submitted their plans to the National Capital Planning Commission - which oversees federal building construction - before the construction project begins.

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Past presidents, mindful that the house is a public treasure, not their palace, voluntarily sought input from various federal and nonprofit groups.

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The Duchy of Cornwall's official site said the Prince of Wales pays income tax on this income - which is not a requirement, but something he does voluntarily.

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Security forces "sought to negotiate with the leader to voluntarily surrender to the relevant authorities, but he refused and barricaded himself inside the camp... and began firing, provoking security personnel, and terrorising residents", Bakir said.

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Related Words

• deliberately 
• freely 
• intentionally 
• spontaneously 
• willingly