Nearby Words
adjective
1.
done, made, brought about, undertaken, etc., of one's own accord or by free choice: a voluntary contribution.
2.
of, pertaining to, or acting in accord with the will: voluntary cooperation.
3.
of, pertaining to, or depending on voluntary action: voluntary hospitals.
4.
Law.
a.
acting or done without compulsion or obligation.
b.
done by intention, and not by accident: voluntary manslaughter.
c.
made without valuable consideration: a voluntary settlement.
5.
EXPANDPhysiology. subject to or controlled by the will.
6.
having the power of willing or choosing: a voluntary agent.
7.
COLLAPSEproceeding from a natural impulse; spontaneous: voluntary laughter.
noun
8.
something done voluntarily.
9.
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.
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Voluntaries
is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
| a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare. |
Origin:
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
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
Related forms
vol·un·tar·i·ness, noun
non·vol·un·tar·y, adjective
sem·i·vol·un·tar·y, adjective
un·vol·un·tar·i·ly, adverb
EXPANDun·vol·un·tar·y, adjective
COLLAPSESynonyms
1. considered, purposeful, planned, intended, designed. See deliberate. 7. free, unforced, natural, unconstrained. 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.
1. considered, purposeful, planned, intended, designed. See deliberate. 7. free, unforced, natural, unconstrained. 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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Link To voluntaries
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
voluntary
late 14c. (implied in voluntarily), from L. voluntarius "of one's free will," from voluntas "will," from the ancient accusative singular prp. of velle "to wish" (see will (v.)). Originally of feelings, later also of actions (c.1449).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
voluntary vol·un·tar·y (vŏl'ən-těr'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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
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