Word
willingly
Phoneticswill·ing·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɪɫɪŋɫi/
UK/wˈɪlɪŋli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. doing something because you want to, not because someone is forcing you. You use this when you are happy or ready to help.
adv. in a manner that shows a readiness or desire to act without being coerced.
Examples
“She willingly offered to help us with the heavy boxes.”
“Many people willingly volunteered their time over the weekend to help clean up the local park after the storm.”
“The witness willingly provided a detailed statement to the investigators, hoping that her cooperation would lead to a swifter resolution of the case.”
Examples
simple
“She willingly offered to help us with the heavy boxes.”
contextual
“Many people willingly volunteered their time over the weekend to help clean up the local park after the storm.”
complex
“The witness willingly provided a detailed statement to the investigators, hoping that her cooperation would lead to a swifter resolution of the case.”
Usage
Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of the clause to emphasize the subject's intent.
Real-World Examples
“Sheeran added that he would never willingly let down his fans or abandon the touring crew and others who relied on him to make a living.” “Many establishments in Spain won’t willingly accept these large bills.” “Manville was willingly cajoled into returning as publisher-cum-crimebuster Ryeland by Horowitz, who offered to write a third book if she’d do a third series.” Etymology
From Middle English willyngly, wyllyngly (“intentionally, deliverately; freely, gladly”), from Old English willendlīċe (“diligently”), equivalent to willing + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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