involuntary
/ɪnˈvɒləntri/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈvɑːlənteri/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)in-ˈvä-lən-ˌter-ē -ˌte-rē/ (ame, mw)
involuntary — adjective
- involuntarypositive
- more involuntarycomparative
- most involuntarysuperlative
1. describes a physical reaction, action, or event that happens without a person's
describes a physical reaction, action, or event that happens without a person's conscious decision or desire — for example, a muscle twitch, a sharp intake of breath, or being forced to leave a job.
Fatima let out an involuntary gasp when she saw the huge spider on the kitchen counter.
collocation: involuntary + bodily reaction (gasp, flinch, shudder, shiver)
Liam's transfer to the night shift was involuntary, so he started looking for a new job.
collocation: involuntary + unwelcome change (transfer, redundancy, dismissal)
Mei-Lin's doctor said the twitching in her eyelid was an involuntary muscle spasm caused by stress.
Dan's knee gave an involuntary jerk when the doctor tapped it with the small rubber hammer.
- reflex
limited to automatic physical reactions (a reflex kick, reflex response); narrower than involuntary
- automatic
broader — can describe both physical responses and learned habits; less strong on the 'against one's will' meaning
- forced
focuses on external pressure rather than lack of internal control; more negative in tone
- unintended
focuses on lack of intention rather than lack of control; often used for outcomes or consequences
- voluntary
done by choice, with conscious intention — the direct opposite
- deliberate
carefully considered and decided upon; implies planning, not just choice
- intentional
done on purpose, with a specific aim in mind
文法句型
involuntary + noun
用法筆記
Most common before a noun describing a physical reaction (gasp, flinch, shudder) or an unwelcome change in circumstance (redundancy, transfer). When used after a linking verb (The movement was involuntary), the focus is on lack of conscious control rather than personal unwillingness.