willing

/ˈwɪlɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈwɪlɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈwi-liŋ/ (ame, mw)

willing — adjective

  • willingpositive
  • more willingcomparative
  • most willingsuperlative

1. If you are willing to do something, you are happy to do it when someone asks you

1.形容詞A2
釋義

If you are willing to do something, you are happy to do it when someone asks you or when it is needed — without feeling forced or reluctant.

例句

Stephanie was willing to help her classmates with the math homework after school.

be willing + to-infinitive for agreeing to help

The manager asked if anyone was willing to work on Saturday for extra pay.

同義詞
  • ready

    stronger emphasis on being prepared to act immediately rather than on attitude

  • happy

    more emotional and personal; suggests pleasure in helping

  • prepared

    focuses on having made necessary arrangements or mental readiness

  • agreeable

    more formal; implies a general tendency to say yes without resistance

反義詞
  • unwilling

    direct opposite; not wanting to do something

  • reluctant

    implies hesitation or internal resistance even if one eventually agrees

文法句型

be willing + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Frequently follows the pattern be willing + to-infinitive. In informal spoken English, the contracted negative I won't can replace I am not willing to.

常見錯誤

❌I am willing helping you with the bags.
✅I am willing to help you with the bags.
💡After 'willing', use the to-infinitive form, not the -ing form.

2. When someone is described as a willing helper, worker, or participant, they show

2.形容詞B1
釋義

When someone is described as a willing helper, worker, or participant, they show real energy and enthusiasm for what they do — they do not need to be pushed or persuaded to help.

例句

The children were willing volunteers who helped clean up the park every weekend.

willing + noun (volunteer/helper/participant)

Sumin was a willing participant in the school play, practising her lines every evening.

同義詞
  • eager

    stronger, suggesting impatient excitement to begin

  • enthusiastic

    broader; can describe both people and their behaviour

  • keen

    common in British English; similar to eager but slightly milder

  • prompt

    focuses on acting quickly and without delay

反義詞
  • reluctant

    suggests the person needs convincing and acts unwillingly

  • lazy

    describes someone who avoids effort and lacks energy to help

文法句型

willing + noun (helper/worker/participant)

用法筆記

This sense is only used attributively — directly before a noun (a willing helper, willing participants). It cannot be used predicatively (✗ She is willing with this meaning).

常見錯誤

❌She is a very willing about volunteering.
✅She is a very willing volunteer.
💡In this sense, 'willing' must come directly before a noun; do not insert a preposition.