Wilfulness: meaning, definitions and examples

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wilfulness

[ˈwɪlfʊlnəs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

behavior

The quality of being determined to do as one wants, regardless of any external influence or persuasion.

Synonyms

inflexibility, obstinacy, stubbornness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wilfulness	Identical to 'wilfulness' listed first as it is the same word repeated. Her wilfulness led her to pursue a career in music, despite her parents' wishes His wilfulness often caused conflicts with his colleagues
stubbornness	Refers to a person who refuses to change their mind or course of action, even if it's in their best interest. Can be seen both positively for determination, but more often negatively for being unnecessarily difficult. His stubbornness about not asking for directions led them to get lost Her stubbornness helped her achieve her goals in the face of opposition
obstinacy	Denotes a stubborn adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action despite reasonable arguments or persuasion. Generally carries a negative tone, suggesting a foolish or unreasonable stubbornness. His obstinacy in refusing to take advice caused the project to fail Her obstinacy on the matter made it impossible to reach a compromise
inflexibility	Used to describe a person or a situation that is rigid and unyielding. Often has a negative connotation, indicating a lack of adaptability or openness to change. The inflexibility of the school rules made it difficult for creative teaching methods to thrive His inflexibility in negotiating the contract terms led to the deal falling through

Examples of usage

He was known for his wilfulness and refusal to compromise.
Her wilfulness sometimes caused conflicts with others.
The wilfulness of the child was evident in his stubborn behavior.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'will', meaning desire or choice.
Adding 'fulness' indicates a state of being, making it about the fullness of one’s desires.
The term began to appear in English literature in the 17th century, blending concepts of will and disposition.

Psychology

Wilfulness is often associated with a strong sense of autonomy and can be seen in developmental psychology as children learn to assert themselves.
Psychologists study wilfulness to understand self-regulation and decision-making processes.
It can lead to positive outcomes, such as strong leadership, or negative ones, like conflict in relationships.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures view wilfulness in varied lights; some see it as a strength, while others view it as a flaw.
In some Indigenous cultures, strong-willed individuals may be celebrated for their independence and community contributions.
Literature often portrays wilfulness as a character trait that leads to both triumph and downfall, illustrating its complex nature.

Literature

Wilfulness is a common theme in many classic stories, where protagonists struggle against societal expectations.
Characters displaying wilfulness often drive the plot forward, showing the tension between desire and duty.
Shakespeare's plays frequently explore the consequences of wilfulness, especially in tragic characters.

Educational Perspectives

In educational settings, wilfulness can be seen in students who resist authority or traditional learning methods.
Teachers often need to balance encouraging wilfulness with guiding students toward constructive decision-making.
Some educational philosophies embrace wilfulness as a part of critical thinking and self-directed learning.

Translations

Translations of the word "wilfulness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 teimosia

🇮🇳 ज़िद

🇩🇪 Eigensinn

🇮🇩 kehendak

🇺🇦 впертість

🇵🇱 upór

🇯🇵 意志の強さ

🇫🇷 entêtement

🇪🇸 testarudez

🇹🇷 inatçılık

🇰🇷 고집

🇸🇦 عناد

🇨🇿 umíněnost

🇸🇰 umienenosť

🇨🇳 固执

🇸🇮 trmoglavost

🇮🇸 þrjóska

🇰🇿 ұстамдылық

🇬🇪 ჯიუტობა

🇦🇿 inadkarlıq

🇲🇽 terquedad

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,417 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
30414 prettiness
30415 timelessness
30416 stoical
30417 wilfulness
30418 ablution
30419 scoffing
30420 sisterly
...