Willful
WIL-ful
/ˈwɪlfʊl/
Intentional and deliberate; stubbornly intent on carrying out one's own will regardless of consequences.
Has two main meanings: in general use, it means headstrong; in legal contexts, it means intentional and deliberate wrongdoing.
The story behind the word. Derived from Old English 'willa' (desire, intent). Originally meaning 'full of strong desire or purpose', over centuries it took on the negative sense of insistence on having one's own way.
Word relationships
- deliberate: 'Deliberate' simply means done on purpose; 'willful' adds a sense of obstinacy or disregard for rules.
- headstrong: 'Headstrong' emphasizes impetuous action; 'willful' emphasizes insistence on one's own desire.
- accidental: Accidental means happening by chance without intention.
- unintentional: Unintentional means done without deliberate purpose.
Commonly confused with
- Willing: Willing means agreeable or ready to do something; willful means stubborn or intentionally rebellious.
Word family
- willfully (adverb): intentionally or in a willful manner
- willfulness (noun): the quality of being willful
Collocations
- willful misconduct
- willful blindess
- willful neglect
- willful child
Idioms & expressions
- turn a blind eye
- have a mind of one's own
Example sentences
- "The judge found the corporation guilty of willful negligence in failing to maintain safety standards." Legal proceeding
- "Her willful blindness to her brother's faults kept her from seeing the financial harm he was causing." Personal description
Memory hook
WILL-FUL: Full of your own WILL, leaving zero room for anyone else's wishes. Full of self-will and deliberate intent.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'willing' (eager to do something).
Fun facts
- In US tax law, 'willful violation' carries criminal penalties, requiring proof that the taxpayer consciously broke the law.
Related words
Explore more words
reckless, recklessness, purposeful, malicious, deceitful, heedless
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