voluntarily

Voluntarily is an adverb derived from the adjective voluntary. It describes actions taken by free choice, without coercion or external pressure. The term comes from Latin voluntarius, from voluntas “will.”

In common usage, something is done voluntarily when a person chooses to do it of their own accord. Examples include volunteering for a task, donating time or money, or signing a document without being compelled. An example sentence: She signed the waiver voluntarily.

In law and ethics, voluntariness is essential to informed consent, waivers, and contract formation. Actions taken voluntarily are generally required to be valid; coercion, duress, or undue influence can render consent or agreements invalid. In medical research, voluntary participation and informed consent are core protections.

In psychology and sociology, voluntarism refers to the emphasis on personal choice and voluntary associations. In physiology, voluntary describes movements controlled by conscious will, as opposed to involuntary actions of smooth or cardiac muscles.