involuntarily

B1 Topic:Abstract Ideas
US /ɪnˌvɑlənˈtɛɹɪli/ UK /ɪnˈvɒləntɹɪli/
adv Freq #41016

Meanings

  1. 1
    adv

    Without meaning to or without conscious control.

    Her leg twitched involuntarily during the exam.

  2. 2
    adv

    Against one's will; not by choice.

    The patients were held involuntarily in the hospital.

Etymology

From involuntary + -ly or in- + voluntarily.

Topics

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