self-willed
Adjective: 1. Habitually disobedient and oppositional: Describes a person who consistently resists authority, control, or advice, determined to have their own way. 2. Obstinate and willful: Characterized by a firm, often unreasonable, adherence to one's own desires, opinions, or course of action.
The adjective "self-willed" is used to describe a person's character or behavior. It is typically applied to individuals who are stubbornly determined to act according to their own will, regardless of others' guidance or rules. It often carries a negative connotation, implying uncooperative or difficult behavior.
- The self-willed child refused to go to bed, despite his parents' repeated instructions.
- Her self-willed determination to finish the project alone, without any help, ultimately led to its failure.
- He was too self-willed to listen to the advice of more experienced colleagues.
- Used attributively: Often placed directly before a noun to modify it.
- They struggled to manage their self-willed teenager.
- Used predicatively: Can follow a linking verb like "is," "was," or "seems."
- The old man became increasingly self-willed in his later years.
- Self-will (noun): The quality of being self-willed; stubbornness.
- His success was due more to sheer self-will than to talent.
While the core meaning relates to stubborn disobedience, the intensity can vary: 1. Mildly determined: Can sometimes imply a positive, independent strength of character, though this is less common. - Her self-willed nature helped her overcome many obstacles. (Here, it borders on "strong-willed"). 2. Negatively stubborn: More commonly implies an obstructive, unyielding attitude that ignores reason or authority.
- Obstinate: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action.
- Headstrong: Energetically willful and determined in a way that is difficult to control.
- Willful (or wilful): Deliberate and obstinate. (Note: "Self-willed" is a more specific, character-based form of "willful").
- Pigheaded: Informal synonym implying stupid obstinacy.
- Recalcitrant: Resisting authority or control; not obedient.
- Compliant: Inclined to agree with others or obey rules.
- Docile: Ready to accept control or instruction; submissive.
- Amenable: Open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled.
- Tractable: Easy to control or influence.
Note: "Self-willed" itself is not typically part of a larger idiom. Its meaning is conveyed directly. However, it describes the character trait behind many idiomatic behaviors. - To have a mind of one's own: To be independent and determined in one's thoughts and actions. (A less negative phrase similar to being self-willed). - To be set in one's ways: To be fixed in one's habits and opinions, resistant to change. (Related to the obstinate aspect of being self-willed).
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habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition
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