Willingly

/ˈwɪlɪŋli/ adverb

Definition

Done or given voluntarily and happily, without being forced or reluctant.

Etymology

From 'willing' (from Old English 'willan' meaning 'to desire') plus the adverb suffix '-ly.' The word connects to 'will' as both desire and determination.

Kelly Says

Willingly is fascinating because it combines two meanings of 'will'—your personal desire AND your moral determination—making it more complex than just 'happily.'

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.