voluntary

Everyday

1. Voluntary means done because you want to, not because you are forced: voluntary help, voluntary work. tree →
2. Voluntary work is done without being paid, to help others. tree →
3. (science) A voluntary muscle or movement is one you control on purpose, such as moving your arm. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and citizenship lessons, people do voluntary work at charities, food banks and parks. In science lessons, voluntary actions (walking) differ from involuntary ones (heartbeat, blinking). In school, a voluntary club is one you choose to join. Phrases: voluntary work, on a voluntary basis, voluntary donation.

Examples

• Gran does voluntary work at the animal shelter. tree →
• Coming to the after-school club is voluntary. tree →
• Moving your arm is a voluntary action, but your heartbeat is not. tree →
• The museum asks for a voluntary donation. tree →
• He gave up his seat voluntarily. tree →
• Voluntary helpers cleaned the beach. tree →
• After the voluntary abdication of Oedipus, his two sons, Eteocles and Polynices, took possession of the crown and reigned over the city of Thebes. tree →

Note

Spelling: voluntary (-ary). Opposite: compulsory (must be done), involuntary (not controlled). The person who does voluntary work is a «volunteer». In maths, a «voluntary donation» has no fixed amount.