The word "voluntary" is spelled with four syllables: /ˈvɒləntəri/. The first syllable begins with the vowel sound /ɒ/ as in "hot". The second syllable includes the consonant cluster /l/ and the vowel sound /ə/ as in "about". The third syllable begins with the consonant sound /n/ and includes the vowel sound /t/ as in "net". The final syllable begins with the vowel sound /ə/ and includes the consonant sound /r/ as in "red". The word means done or given by choice.
Voluntary, as an adjective, refers to an action or choice undertaken willingly, without coercion or external influence. It denotes the exercise or expression of one's own free will and personal discretion in performing a particular act or engaging in a specific behavior. It signifies the absence of any obligation or requirement, allowing for autonomy in decision-making.
The concept of voluntary often denotes acts that are self-initiated, arising from an individual's inner desire or motivation, rather than being compelled by external forces or circumstances. It represents an inherent sense of personal responsibility, where one assumes ownership and accountability for their decisions and actions.
Voluntary can also pertain to actions undertaken for the benefit of others or a cause without expecting personal gain. It embodies a spirit of generosity, charity, or altruism, where individuals willfully contribute their time, resources, or skills in assisting those in need or advancing collective goals.
In a legal context, voluntary can refer to activities or agreements that are entered into freely, without any legal obligations or involvements. This term also encompass actions done willingly or based on consent, such as voluntary dismissal of a lawsuit or voluntary participation in a research study.
Overall, voluntary is a term that highlights the freedom to choose, self-determination, and the absence of external pressure or compulsion, emphasizing actions that emerge from an individual's conscious decision-making and personal agency.
Relating or acting in obedience to the will; not obligatory.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Acting from choice; proceeding from one's own will; done without compulsion.
• One who does anything of his own free will; a piece of music played at will; one who supports the ordinances of religion by his own free will; a dissenter.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "voluntary" comes from the Latin word "voluntarius", which means "of one's free will" or "acting of one's own accord". It is derived from the Latin word "voluntas", meaning "will" or "desire". The term was eventually adopted into Middle English as "voluntarie", evolving into its modern spelling and pronunciation over time.