Words / B2

VOL-uh-ntree/ˈvɒləntri/

Voluntary means done by choice, not because you must, and often unpaid: voluntary work; a voluntary contribution. Optional is close; compulsory sits opposite. Volunteer is the person or verb (already in the dictionary). Voluntary work on UCAS still needs a referee. Mix-up: involuntary is not under conscious control. Do not call paid overtime voluntary.

Meaning

Done by choice, not because you must; often unpaid.

Examples

• “Voluntary work on the UCAS form still needs a named referee.”
• “Attendance at the revision clinic is voluntary, which is the optional sense.”

Good to know

voluntary work / contribution; voluntarily. Person/verb: volunteer. Opposite: compulsory. Trap: involuntary. UCAS and pastoral. Chosen, often unpaid.

Near in meaning

optional

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