# voluntarily

/ˌvɑɫənˈtɛɹəɫi/ (US) · /vˌɒləntˈɛɹəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/voluntarily
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She voluntarily offered to help with the cleaning.
- The witness came forward voluntarily to provide a statement to the police about the accident.
- The corporation voluntarily adopted stricter environmental standards ahead of the new legislation to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He did it voluntary" but "He did it voluntarily" — Learners often use the adjective 'voluntary' where the adverb 'voluntarily' is required to modify an action.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.