Definitions
- Referring to an action done without being forced or compelled. - Describing a decision made by one's own free will. - Talking about something done willingly and without hesitation.
- Referring to an action done with enthusiasm or eagerness. - Describing a decision made without reluctance or hesitation. - Talking about something done with a positive attitude and readiness.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe actions done without reluctance or force.
- 2Both words convey a positive attitude towards the action being taken.
- 3Both words imply that the person is doing something of their own accord.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Voluntarily is more commonly used in formal contexts, while willingly is more common in informal contexts.
- 2Connotation: Voluntarily emphasizes the absence of coercion or compulsion, while willingly emphasizes enthusiasm and eagerness.
- 3Degree: Willingly implies a higher degree of enthusiasm than voluntarily.
- 4Adverb vs. adjective: Voluntarily is an adverb, while willingly is an adjective that can also function as an adverb.
- 5Form: Voluntarily is derived from the noun 'volunteer,' while willingly is derived from the adjective 'willing.'
Remember this!
Voluntarily and willingly are synonyms that describe actions done without reluctance or force. However, voluntarily emphasizes the absence of coercion or compulsion, while willingly emphasizes enthusiasm and eagerness. Voluntarily is more formal and is often used in legal or official contexts, while willingly is more informal and is commonly used in everyday conversation.
