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Meaning of willful
The primary meaning of "willful" is having or showing a strong and uncontrolled desire to do something, often in a way that is considered bad or unacceptable.
Etymology of willful
The word "willful" comes from the Old English words "will" (meaning "desire" or "intention") and the suffix "-ful" (meaning "full of" or "characterized by")
Historically, the word has been used to describe behavior that is intentional, deliberate, and often disobedient or uncooperative
Synonyms
deliberate
intentional
purposeful
voluntary
wilful
stubborn
obstinate
headstrong
defiant
disobedient
uncooperative
refractory
recalcitrant
intractable
contrary
perverse
wayward
unruly
ungovernable
uncontrollable
unmanageable
obstreperous
rebellious
insubordinate
noncompliant
unyielding
resistant
stubbornly
persistently
doggedly
tenaciously
Definitions
- Showing a stubborn and determined intention to do something, especially something that is considered bad or unacceptable
- * Done on purpose, and often in a way that is considered bad or unacceptable
- * Having a strong and uncontrolled desire to do something
Usage Examples
- The willful destruction of property was considered a serious offense
- * She was a willful child, always refusing to listen to her parents
- * His willful disregard for the rules got him into trouble
Antonyms
accidental
unintentional
involuntary
unwilling
reluctant
hesitant
passive
obedient
compliant
cooperative
submissive
yielding
controllable
manageable
governable
tractable
amenable
docile
dutiful
law-abiding