willingly

Willingly is an adverb that denotes performing an action with willingness, by choice, or without coercion. It describes actions done of one's own accord or with a positive readiness to help, consent, or cooperate. The word is derived from the adjective willing, which comes from will in the sense of desire, intention, or volition. The suffix -ly forms the adverb.

Usage and nuance: Willingly emphasizes voluntary internal motivation and acceptance rather than obligation. It often contrasts with reluctantly or unwillingly. In legal or formal contexts, voluntarily is more common; willingly carries a softer, more human tone.

Examples: She agreed willingly to help. The committee welcomed volunteers who would work willingly. In everyday speech: He willingly shared his notes.

Related terms: willingness, willing participant, willingness to help. Willfully is a different adverb meaning deliberately or intentionally, often with a sense of wrongdoing; it is not a synonym of willingly.

Origin: The adverb formed from the adjective willing; the adjective derives from will (desire) with the suffix -ing. The concept and forms appear in Old English and Middle English, evolving into the modern pair will/willing and willingly in contemporary English.