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willingly
/ˈwɪlɪŋli/
in a willing manner
She agreed to help willingly.
She agreed to help because she wanted to, not because she was forced.
general
in a way that shows a person is ready and happy to do something
He offered to carry the heavy bags willingly.
He offered to carry the heavy bags because he wanted to help.
The volunteers worked willingly during the disaster relief.
The volunteers worked during the disaster relief because they wanted to help.
Often used to emphasize that someone is doing something without being forced or pressured.
Collocations
willingly acceptto accept something without hesitation or reluctancewillingly agreeto agree to something because you want to, not because you have towillingly participateto take part in something because you want to, not because you are forced
Pro Tip
Contrast with 'unwillingly'
Use 'willingly' to show that someone is doing something because they want to, not because they have to.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'willyngly', from Old English 'willing' (adjective) + '-ly' (suffix forming adverbs).
Usage Notes
Often used to contrast with forced or reluctant actions. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Word Breakdown
will
desire or intention
root-ing
forming an adjective
suffix-ly
forming an adverb
suffixEnglish Dictionary