vrijwillig

From Middle Dutch vrîwillich (1390s), equivalent to vrij (“free”) +‎ willig (“willing”), perhaps after vrije wil (“free will”). Possibly a calque of Middle High German freywillic (modern freiwillig), which first appears in the 1370s. However, the German attestation is southeastern and the word did not enter wider usage in either language before the 16th century. Therefore two (or more) independent formations are not ruled out in this case.

• IPA^(key): /ˌvrɛi̯ˈʋɪ.ləx/

• Audio:

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• Hyphenation: vrij‧wil‧lig
• Rhymes: -ɪləx

vrijwillig (not comparable)

1. voluntary, of one's own accord, of one's own free will

• gedwongen
• verplicht

• vrijwilliger
• vrijwilligheid

• Afrikaans: vrywillig