The difference between Optional and Voluntary

When used as nouns, optional means something that is not compulsory, especially part of an academic course, whereas voluntary means a short piece of music, often having improvisation, played on a solo instrument.

When used as adjectives, optional means not compulsory, 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 Optional and Voluntary

  1. Optional as an adjective:

    Not compulsory; left to personal choice; elective.

    Examples:

    "On that beach clothing is entirely optional."

  1. Optional as a noun:

    Something that is not compulsory, especially part of an academic course.

  2. Optional as a noun (programming):

    In the Swift programming language, a kind of variable that is assigned a specific data type but may or may not hold an actual value.

  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.

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