What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Optional vs Voluntary - What's the difference?

optional | voluntary | Synonyms |

Voluntary is a synonym of optional.



As adjectives the difference between optional and voluntary

is that optional is not compulsory; left to personal choice; elective while voluntary is done, given, or acting of one's own free will.

As an adverb voluntary is

voluntarily.

As a noun voluntary is

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

optional

English

Adjective

(-)
  • Not compulsory; left to personal choice; elective.
  • On that beach clothing is entirely optional .

    Antonyms

    * obligatory * mandatory * compulsory

    voluntary

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.
  • * N. W. Taylor
  • That sin or guilt pertains exclusively to voluntary action is the true principle of orthodoxy.
  • * Alexander Pope
  • She fell to lust a voluntary prey.
  • Done by design or intention; intentional.
  • If a man accidentally kills another by lopping a tree, it is not voluntary manslaughter.
  • Working or done without payment.
  • Endowed with the power of willing.
  • * Hooker
  • God did not work as a necessary, but a voluntary , agent, intending beforehand, and decreeing with himself, that which did outwardly proceed from him.
  • Of or relating to voluntaryism.
  • a voluntary church, in distinction from an established or state church

    Synonyms

    * discretionary * optional * willful * volitional

    Antonyms

    * compulsory * involuntary * obligatory

    Derived terms

    * voluntarily

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • (obsolete) Voluntarily.
  • *1590 , (Edmund Spenser), The Faerie Queene , III.4:
  • *:And all that els was pretious and deare, / The sea unto him voluntary brings [...].
  • Noun

    (voluntaries)
  • (music) A short piece of music, often having improvisation, played on a solo instrument
  • A volunteer