Definitions
- Referring to a course or subject that is chosen by a student as an option, rather than being mandatory. - Describing a medical procedure or surgery that is planned and chosen by the patient, rather than being urgent or necessary. - Talking about an official position or role that is filled by voting or appointment.
- Referring to an action or behavior that is done willingly and without coercion or obligation. - Describing an organization or group that is run by volunteers, rather than paid staff. - Talking about a donation or contribution that is given freely and without expectation of reward.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions that are done by choice, rather than being mandatory.
- 2Both words emphasize the idea of free will and lack of obligation.
- 3Both words can be used to describe participation in activities or organizations.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Elective is more commonly used in academic or medical contexts, while voluntary has a broader range of applications.
- 2Mandatory vs. Optional: Elective implies that there are other options available, while voluntary implies that the action is not required at all.
- 3Formality: Elective is more formal than voluntary, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- 4Focus: Elective emphasizes the idea of choice and selection, while voluntary emphasizes the idea of willingness and lack of coercion.
- 5Connotation: Elective can have a neutral or positive connotation, while voluntary can sometimes imply a sense of sacrifice or altruism.
Remember this!
Elective and voluntary are both words that describe actions that are done by choice, rather than being mandatory. However, elective is more commonly used in academic or medical contexts and implies that there are other options available, while voluntary has a broader range of applications and emphasizes the idea of willingness and lack of coercion.
