wayward
|way-ward|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈweɪwərd/
🇬🇧
/ˈweɪwəd/
unpredictable behavior
Etymology
Etymology Information
'wayward' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'weyward,' where 'wey' meant 'way' and '-ward' meant 'toward.'
Historical Evolution
'weyward' changed from Middle English word 'weyward' and eventually became the modern English word 'wayward'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'turned away from the right path,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'difficult to control or predict.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
difficult to control or predict because of unusual or perverse behavior.
The wayward child refused to follow the rules.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39