What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
consensual
Example
The couple engaged in consensual sex. [consensual: adjective]
Example
The parties reached a consensual agreement on the terms of the contract. [consensual: adjective]
voluntary
Example
I volunteered to help with the charity event. [volunteered: verb]
Example
The company offers voluntary retirement packages to eligible employees. [voluntary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Voluntary is more commonly used than consensual in everyday language. Voluntary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while consensual is less common and often used in specific legal or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between consensual and voluntary?
Consensual is more formal than voluntary and is often used in legal or professional contexts, while voluntary is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal situations.