willful - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

willful

|will-ful|

🇺🇸

/ˈwɪlfəl/

🇬🇧

/ˈwɪlf(ə)l/

stubborn determination

Etymology

Etymology Information

'willful' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'wilful', where 'will' meant 'desire' and '-ful' meant 'full of'.

Historical Evolution

'wilful' transformed into the modern English word 'willful'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'full of will or desire', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'stubbornly determined'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

having or showing a stubborn and determined intention to do as one wants, regardless of the consequences or effects.

She was willful in her decision to leave the company.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42