volunteer

To freely offer or choose to do a task, often without pay.

• I volunteer at the local library.
• She volunteered to drive us home.
• Would you like to volunteer for the next event?

How to use it: volunteer to do something (I volunteered to wash the dishes.); volunteer for something (She volunteered for the cleanup.); volunteer at something (He volunteers at a food bank.)

Similar words: offer, help out

Common phrases: volunteer to help, volunteer for something, volunteer at something

To give information or an idea without being asked for it.

• He did not volunteer any details.
• She volunteered an explanation for the delay.
• Nobody asked, but he volunteered his opinion anyway.

Similar words: offer, provide

Opposites: withhold

Common phrases: volunteer information, volunteer an explanation, volunteer advice

To offer someone else’s help or time, sometimes without asking them first.

• Do not volunteer me without asking.
• She volunteered her brother to carry the boxes.
• Our boss volunteered the whole team for extra work.

How to use it: volunteer someone to do something (My brother volunteered me to cook dinner.); volunteer someone for something (The manager volunteered us for weekend duty.)

Common phrases: volunteer someone’s services, volunteer someone to help

Someone who chooses to do work to help others without being paid.

• A volunteer showed us the way.
• The shelter needs more volunteers at weekends.
• Have you worked as a volunteer before?

Similar words: unpaid helper

Common phrases: charity volunteer, hospital volunteer, volunteer work

Someone who freely offers to do a task or join a service, often without pay.

• We need a volunteer to carry this box.
• Several volunteers joined the rescue team.
• The army recruited volunteers from nearby towns.

How to use it: a volunteer for something (We need a volunteer for the first demonstration.)

Similar words: willing helper

Common phrases: ask for volunteers, army volunteer, volunteer for something