Willful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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willful

[ˈwɪlfəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

independent

Deliberate and intentional, done on purpose.

Synonyms

deliberate, intentional, voluntary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
willful	Describes behavior that is stubborn or done with a strong intention, often in a negative or defiant sense. Her willful disregard for the rules led to serious consequences The child was willful and refused to listen to any instructions
deliberate	Used when referring to actions that are done thoughtfully and with careful consideration. Often has a formal or serious tone. His deliberate decision to take the job shows his commitment to his career The committee's deliberate discussion ensured all aspects were considered
intentional	Commonly used to describe actions that are done on purpose or with a specific aim in mind. It typically implies positive or neutral intentions. Her intentional acts of kindness made her popular in the community The mistake was not intentional; he truly meant well
voluntary	Refers to actions taken freely and willingly, often without any external pressure or obligation. It frequently appears in contexts involving charity, service, or participation. She made a voluntary donation to the charity His voluntary work at the shelter was highly appreciated

Examples of usage

He was fired for his willful disregard of company policies.
She showed a willful determination to succeed.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

stubborn

Unreasonably stubborn, obstinate.

Synonyms

headstrong, obstinate, stubborn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
willful	Use 'willful' to describe someone who is determined to do what they want, regardless of the consequences or advice from others. Often carries a connotation of intentional and deliberate behavior. She made a willful decision to ignore the warnings and went ahead with the risky plan. His willful disregard for the rules got him into trouble.
stubborn	Use 'stubborn' to describe someone who is unwilling to change their opinion or course of action, despite attempts to persuade them. This term can be either neutral or negative, depending on the context. The stubborn child refused to eat his vegetables. He is very stubborn and rarely changes his mind once it's made up.
obstinate	Use 'obstinate' to describe someone who stubbornly refuses to change their opinion or action, even when others think they are being unreasonable. This word tends to have a negative connotation. Despite all the evidence, he remained obstinate in his belief. She was too obstinate to admit that she was wrong.
headstrong	Use 'headstrong' to describe someone who is very determined to have their own way and is often resistant to advice. This term often implies a level of impulsiveness or lack of consideration. The headstrong teenager refused to listen to any advice from her parents. His headstrong behavior often leads to unnecessary conflicts.

Examples of usage

His willful refusal to listen to advice led to his downfall.
The child's willful behavior caused frustration for the teacher.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People described as willful often show a high degree of autonomy, making their own choices regardless of social norms.
Willfulness can sometimes be associated with creativity, as strong conviction often leads individuals to pursue innovative ideas.

Literature

In classic literature, willful characters often drive the plot by making bold decisions, leading to both conflict and resolution.
The term appears frequently in poetic text, highlighting the intensity of a character's desires or decisions.

Pop Culture

Willful characters, like rebellious teens or strong-minded protagonists, feature in movies and stories to represent independence and defiance.
The term has been creatively used in song lyrics to illustrate themes of determination and resistance against societal expectations.

Legal Context

In legal settings, 'willful' can describe actions taken with deliberate intent, often impacting the outcomes of court cases.
Certain offenses, like willful misconduct, imply that a party knowingly disregarded rules or standards, leading to legal consequences.

Origin of 'willful'

Main points about word origin

The word 'willful' combines 'will,' referring to one's choices, and 'full,' meaning complete or filled with intention.
It originated from Middle English in the late 13th century, indicating a sense of strong desire or determination.

The word 'willful' originated from the Middle English word 'wilful', which meant 'full of will, having a strong will'. It has been in use since the 12th century, evolving to its current meaning of deliberate or stubborn over time.