adjective
voluntary
Controlled by conscious choice rather than compulsion or automatic action.
The adult reaches for gloves to join the voluntary neighborhood cleanup.
Etymology
The Latin adjective directly concerns the will. A voluntary act is governed by conscious choice rather than automatic response or external force.
In context
initiate so we liked the three that we did initiate and and they were couched as quote peacetime Norms they apply in peace time and two they are non-binding and voluntary
More examples
- Donations are voluntary, so you can attend without giving money.
- Participation in the survey is entirely voluntary.
- Raising your hand is a voluntary movement, unlike a reflex.
Forms
voluntary
voluntarily adverb — By choice or through conscious control.
Similar words
- optional
- Describes something not required, rather than consciously controlled movement.
- deliberate
- Emphasizes intentional action, not freedom from pressure or obligation.