The difference between Compulsory and Voluntary

When used as nouns, compulsory means something that is compulsory or required, whereas voluntary means a short piece of music, often having improvisation, played on a solo instrument.

When used as adjectives, compulsory means required, whereas voluntary means done, given, or acting of one's own free will.


Voluntary is also adverb with the meaning: voluntarily.

check bellow for the other definitions of Compulsory and Voluntary

  1. Compulsory as an adjective:

    Required; obligatory; mandatory.

    Examples:

    "The ten-dollar fee was compulsory."

  2. Compulsory as an adjective:

    Having the power of compulsion; constraining.

    Examples:

    "Such compulsory measures are limited."

  1. Compulsory as a noun:

    Something that is compulsory or required.

  1. Voluntary as an adjective:

    Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.

  2. Voluntary as an adjective:

    Done by design or intention; intentional.

    Examples:

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

  3. Voluntary as an adjective:

    Working or done without payment.

  4. Voluntary as an adjective:

    Endowed with the power of willing.

  5. Voluntary as an adjective:

    Of or relating to voluntarism.

    Examples:

    "a voluntary church, in distinction from an established or state church"

  1. Voluntary as an adverb (obsolete):

    Voluntarily.

  1. Voluntary as a noun (music):

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

  2. Voluntary as a noun:

    A volunteer.

  3. Voluntary as a noun:

    A supporter of voluntarism; a voluntarist.