involuntary
Translation
unintentional, automatic, not done by choice
Examples
Blinking is an involuntary action.
Blinking is an involuntary action.
He gave an involuntary shudder.
He gave an involuntary shudder.
Grammar Patterns
((involuntary)) + noun an involuntary action/movement/sound It was an involuntary reaction.
Similar Words
Synonyms: automatic, unintentional, spontaneous; Antonyms: voluntary, intentional, deliberate
Etymology
From the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'voluntary' (from Latin 'voluntarius', meaning willing). Literally 'not willing'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'in-' as a negative prefix, like in 'inactive'. It's the opposite of 'voluntary'.