The difference between Obligatory and Voluntary

When used as adjectives, obligatory means imposing obligation, legally or morally, whereas voluntary means done, given, or acting of one's own free will.


Voluntary is also noun with the meaning: a short piece of music, often having improvisation, played on a solo instrument.

Voluntary is also adverb with the meaning: voluntarily.

check bellow for the other definitions of Obligatory and Voluntary

  1. Obligatory as an adjective:

    Imposing obligation, legally or morally; binding.

    Examples:

    "an obligatory promise"

  2. Obligatory as an adjective:

    Requiring a matter or obligation.

  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.