Definitions
- Referring to something that is optional or left to one's own judgment. - Describing a decision or action that is based on personal choice rather than obligation. - Talking about funds or resources that are available for use at one's own discretion.
- Referring to something that is done willingly or without coercion. - Describing an action or behavior that is not required or mandatory. - Talking about an organization or group that is composed of individuals who have chosen to participate voluntarily.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions or decisions that are not mandatory.
- 2Both words imply a sense of choice or freedom.
- 3Both words can refer to financial or organizational contexts.
- 4Both words are commonly used in legal and business settings.
- 5Both words can be used to describe behaviors or actions that are not forced or required.
What is the difference?
- 1Definition: Discretionary refers to something that is optional or left to one's own judgment, while voluntary refers to something that is done willingly or without coercion.
- 2Usage: Discretionary is often used to describe funds or resources that are available for use at one's own discretion, while voluntary is more commonly used to describe actions or behaviors that are not required or mandatory.
- 3Connotation: Discretionary has a neutral connotation, while voluntary has a positive connotation.
- 4Legal implications: Discretionary can have legal implications related to the exercise of judgment or authority, while voluntary can have legal implications related to consent or agreement.
Remember this!
While both discretionary and voluntary describe actions or decisions that are not mandatory, they differ in their definition, usage, connotation, legal implications, and etymology. Discretionary refers to something that is optional or left to one's own judgment, often used to describe funds or resources that are available for use at one's own discretion. Voluntary refers to something that is done willingly or without coercion, often used to describe actions or behaviors that are not required or mandatory and has a positive connotation.