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

Words nearby voluntary

volumetric efficiency, volumetric solution, voluminous, volund, voluntarism, voluntary, voluntary abortion, voluntary aid detachment, voluntary arrangement, voluntary association, voluntary muscle

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
[ vŏl′ən-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.