involuntarily
UK: ɪnˈvɒləntərɪli | US: ɪnˈvɑːləntərɪli
adv. without conscious control or intention; unwillingly
adv. in a manner contrary to one's will
involuntarily = in<not> + volunt<will> + arily<adverb suffix>
- in<not>: Latin prefix meaning "not" or "opposite of."
- volunt<will>: From Latin voluntas (will, choice), derived from velle (to wish).
- arily<adverb suffix>: Combines -ary (adjective suffix) + -ly (adverb suffix), forming an adverbial form.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin involuntarius ("not willed"), blending in- (negation) and voluntas (will). Over time, voluntarily emerged in Middle English (via Old French) as the positive form, while involuntarily arose to describe actions performed without conscious intent. The suffix -arily adapts the adjective involuntary into an adverb, preserving the core idea of opposition to will.
She blinked involuntarily when the bright light flashed.
His hand trembled involuntarily from the cold.
The memory resurfaced involuntarily, catching him off guard.
Laughter escaped her involuntarily during the serious speech.
The muscles contracted involuntarily in response to the shock.