What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
volitional
Example
She made a volitional decision to pursue her dream career. [volitional: adjective]
Example
His volitional behavior showed that he was determined to succeed. [volitional: noun]
voluntary
Example
The organization relies on voluntary donations to fund their programs. [voluntary: adjective]
Example
She volunteered at the hospital on a voluntary basis. [voluntary: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Voluntary is more commonly used than volitional in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between volitional and voluntary?
Volitional is more formal than voluntary and is often used in academic or technical contexts.
