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bénévole

voluntary

adjective noun beh-neh-VOL Rare
People & Society Community

Origin: From Latin bene volens, meaning 'wishing well'.

Also means

volunteer (person)

Usage Note

Bénévole functions both as an adjective ('unpaid, voluntary') and a noun ('a volunteer'). The derived noun bénévolat (m) refers to voluntary work or volunteering as an activity, commonly discussed in the context of charities and associations. Unlike English 'voluntary', it specifically implies unpaid service rather than simply free choice.

Examples

"Elle travaille comme bénévole dans une association."

Natural Translation

She works as a volunteer in a charity.

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