Wilful: meaning, definitions and examples

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wilful

[ˈwɪlfʊl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Intentional, deliberate, done on purpose

Synonyms

deliberate, intentional, voluntary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wilful	Used when someone does something on purpose, especially when it is considered wrong or bad. Often has a negative connotation. Her wilful disregard for the rules got her into trouble The child was wilful and refused to listen to anyone
intentional	Indicates that something is done on purpose and premeditatedly, usually without negative or positive connotations. Her actions were intentional, not accidental The project was an intentional effort to improve community relations
deliberate	Applied when an action is done carefully and with full awareness of the consequences. It can imply a thoughtful and calculated decision. He took deliberate steps to improve his health The speech was deliberate, aiming to avoid any misunderstandings
voluntary	Used to describe actions that are done by one's own will, often without being forced or paid. It usually has a positive connotation. He participated in the event on a voluntary basis The charity relies on voluntary donations

Examples of usage

She was wilful in her decision to quit her job and travel the world.
His wilful actions caused harm to others around him.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

stubbornness

Unreasonably stubborn or obstinate

Synonyms

headstrong, obstinate, stubborn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wilful	This word is used to describe someone who does things intentionally, often ignoring rules or what others want. It can have a negative connotation, implying stubbornness in a selfish or harmful way. She made a wilful decision to ignore the warning His wilful disregard for the rules caused problems
stubborn	Used to describe someone who is determined not to change their attitude or position on something, even when there is good reasoning against it. While similar to 'obstinate', 'stubborn' is more commonly used in everyday language and can either have a slightly negative or neutral tone depending on context. He can be very stubborn, never liking to admit when he's wrong Her stubborn refusal to ask for help complicated things
obstinate	This word describes someone who firmly refuses to change their opinion or action, even when there is a reason to do so. Obstinate typically has a negative connotation, suggesting irrational stubbornness. He remained obstinate, refusing to compromise Her obstinate refusal to apologize made the situation worse
headstrong	Used to describe someone who is very determined to do what they want, often without listening to advice or considering the consequences. This term often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of flexibility. Despite all the advice, he was too headstrong to change his plans Her headstrong nature made it difficult for others to work with her

Examples of usage

Despite being presented with evidence, she remained wilful in her beliefs.
His wilful refusal to compromise led to conflicts within the team.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'wilful' originates from the Middle English term 'wilful', which is derived from the combination of 'will' and the suffix '-ful'.
In older texts, 'wilful' often carried a more positive connotation, implying someone who is decisive and has strong personal convictions.
Over time, the meaning shifted to include a negative aspect, suggesting stubbornness and disregard for others’ opinions.

Psychology

In psychological terms, wilfulness can be viewed as a manifestation of assertiveness, where individuals prioritize their desires over social norms.
Studies show that people who are more wilful tend to be more independent, but this trait can also lead to conflicts in teamwork and cooperation.
Research indicates that a high level of wilfulness is often associated with traits such as high self-esteem and greater resilience in facing challenges.

Cultural References

The concept of wilfulness appears frequently in literature, often depicted as a character trait that leads to both conflict and growth, such as in classic novels and modern narratives.
In popular music, many songs highlight themes of wilfulness, celebrating the idea of going against the grain and choosing one’s path, like in rebellious anthems.
Cultural depictions often associate wilfulness with youth, portraying it as a phase where individuals explore their identity and independence.

Legal Terminology

In legal contexts, 'wilful' is used to describe actions that are intentional and done with knowledge of their potential consequences, as in wilful misconduct.
The term is often applied in contract law, where wilful breaches of agreement can lead to stricter penalties.
Understanding wilfulness in law can affect cases, as it helps distinguish between accidental and intentional acts, guiding legal outcomes.

Literature

Famous literary characters, such as Holden Caulfield from 'The Catcher in the Rye', showcase wilfulness as both a source of strength and conflict throughout their journeys.
Wilfulness often symbolizes a clash within narratives, where characters struggle between their desires and societal expectations, driving plot development.
Poets like Emily Dickinson have explored wilfulness in their work, linking it to themes of freedom and the quest for individual identity.

Translations

Translations of the word "wilful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intencional

🇮🇳 जानबूझकर

🇩🇪 absichtlich

🇮🇩 sengaja

🇺🇦 навмисний

🇵🇱 umyślny

🇯🇵 故意の

🇫🇷 intentionnel

🇪🇸 deliberado

🇹🇷 kasıtlı

🇰🇷 고의의

🇸🇦 متعمد

🇨🇿 úmyslný

🇸🇰 úmyselný

🇨🇳 故意的

🇸🇮 nameren

🇮🇸 viljandi

🇰🇿 қасақана

🇬🇪 განზრახული

🇦🇿 qəsdən

🇲🇽 deliberado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,956, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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12953 momentous
12954 shading
12955 armament
12956 wilful
12957 furrow
12958 sexy
12959 hum
...