voluntary

[ vol-uhn-ter-ee ]
/ ˈvɒl ənˌtɛr i /

adjective

noun, plural vol·un·tar·ies.

something done voluntarily.
a piece of music, frequently spontaneous and improvised, performed as a prelude to a larger work, especially a piece of organ music performed before, during, or after an office of the church.

Origin of voluntary

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin voluntārius, equivalent to volunt(ās) willingness, inclination (ultimately representing a formation with -tās -ty2 on the present participle of velle to want, wish; see will1, -ent) + -ārius -ary

synonym study for voluntary

1. See deliberate. 7. Voluntary, spontaneous agree in applying to something that is a natural outgrowth or natural expression arising from circumstances and conditions. Voluntary implies having given previous consideration, or having exercised judgment: a voluntary confession; a voluntary movement; The offer was a voluntary one. Something that is spontaneous arises as if by itself from the nature of the circumstances or condition: spontaneous applause, combustion, expression of admiration.

OTHER WORDS FROM voluntary

Example sentences from the Web for nonvoluntary

  • Nonvoluntary, or spontaneous, attention that we give easily and naturally, with no effort of self-compulsion.

    How to Teach Religion |George Herbert Betts
  • Which fatigues you more, to give attention of the nonvoluntary type, or the voluntary?

    The Mind and Its Education |George Herbert Betts

British Dictionary definitions for nonvoluntary

voluntary
/ (ˈvɒləntərɪ, -trɪ) /

adjective

noun plural -taries

Derived forms of voluntary

voluntarily, adverb voluntariness, noun

Word Origin for voluntary

C14: from Latin voluntārius, from voluntās will, from velle to wish

Medical definitions for nonvoluntary

voluntary
[ vŏlən-tĕr′ē ]

adj.

Arising from or acting on one's own free will.
Normally controlled by or subject to individual volition, as of respiration.
Capable of making choices; having the faculty of will.