ENGLISH
REFERENCE

willful

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈwɪɫfəɫ// UK //wˈɪlfəl// will·ful

adj. doing something on purpose, especially when it is wrong or against the rules. It also describes someone who is stubborn and refuses to change their mind.

adj. intentional and deliberate, often in the context of wrongdoing or disobedience; alternatively, describes a person who is headstrong and determined to have their own way.


SIMPLE

The driver was charged with willful damage to the property.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee found that the company showed a willful disregard for safety regulations despite multiple warnings.

COMPLEX

The protagonist's willful refusal to acknowledge the changing political landscape eventually led to his downfall, as he preferred his own convictions over the reality of the situation.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used in legal contexts to distinguish intentional acts from accidents; frequently precedes nouns like 'disregard', 'neglect', or 'ignorance'.

Pitfall

a willful mistakea careless mistakeWillful implies a deliberate choice to do something wrong; it should not be used for accidental errors.

Idioms1 entry

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