ENGLISH
REFERENCE

voluntarily

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌvɑɫənˈtɛɹəɫi// UK //vˌɒləntˈɛɹəli// vol·un·tar·i·ly

adv. to do something because you want to, not because someone forces you or pays you. You use this when you choose to help or act on your own.

adv. of one's own free will or accord, without legal or physical compulsion. Often used in legal or formal contexts to distinguish between mandatory and optional actions.


SIMPLE

She voluntarily offered to help with the cleaning.

CONTEXTUAL

The witness came forward voluntarily to provide a statement to the police about the accident.

COMPLEX

The corporation voluntarily adopted stricter environmental standards ahead of the new legislation to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices.

Antonyms
Origin

From voluntary + -ly.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.

Pitfall

He did it voluntaryHe did it voluntarilyLearners often use the adjective 'voluntary' where the adverb 'voluntarily' is required to modify an action.

© 2026 English Reference