How to Pronounce Voluntary

To pronounce "voluntary", say VOL-unt-ary — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈvɑɫəntɛɹi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

voluntary

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

/ˈvɑɫəntɛɹi/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/vˈɒləntəɹi/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “voluntary”

"voluntary" has 3 syllables: vol-unt-ary.

What does voluntary mean?

noun

  1. A short piece of music, often having improvisation, played on a solo instrument.
  2. A volunteer.

adjective

  1. Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.
  2. Done by design or intention; intentional.

    “If a man accidentally kills another by lopping a tree, it is not voluntary manslaughter.”

adverb

  1. Voluntarily.

Synonyms

discretionaryoptionalvolitionalintentionalwillfulhonorarypro bonounpaid

Antonyms

compulsoryobligatoryinvoluntaryaccidentalpaidsalaried

Hear “voluntary” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Related words

volitionalfreewillself-imposedwillingwilfulintentionalwillfulvolunteer

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "voluntary"?▾

"Voluntary" has 3 syllables: vol · unt · ary.

What is the IPA transcription of "voluntary"?▾

The IPA transcription of "voluntary" is /ˈvɑɫəntɛɹi/.

What does "voluntary" mean?▾

Voluntary: A short piece of music, often having improvisation, played on a solo instrument.

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