ENGLISH
REFERENCE

willingly

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈwɪɫɪŋɫi// UK //wˈɪlɪŋli// will·ing·ly

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.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English willyngly, wyllyngly (“intentionally, deliverately; freely, gladly”), from Old English willendlīċe (“diligently”), equivalent to willing + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of the clause to emphasize the subject's intent.

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