willingly

Of one’s own free will; freely and spontaneously.

Adverb

  1. Of one’s own free will; freely and spontaneously.
    • Now this is a process of the mind or thought, of which I would willingly know the foundation. - 1748, [David Hume], chapter 29, in Philosophical Essays Concerning Human Understanding, London: […] A[ndrew] Millar, […],...
    • In the first place, although many people wanted nationalisation and it became the will of Parliament, there were many other people who did not want it, have never willingly accepted it, and never will. - 1958 January 5,...

Origin

From Middle English willyngly, wyllyngly (“intentionally, deliverately; freely, gladly”), from Old English willendlīċe (“diligently”), equivalent to willing + -ly.

Forms

more willingly most willingly

Synonyms

gladly happily

Antonyms

unwillingly