Definition

Adverb: * In a willful manner; deliberately, intentionally, or stubbornly. It describes an action done with a clear intention, often with a sense of obstinacy or disregard for rules, advice, or consequences.

Usage

The adverb "wilfully" modifies a verb to indicate that the action was performed deliberately and with purpose. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting the action was done knowingly against what is right, reasonable, or lawful. * It is used in formal or legal contexts. * It emphasizes the conscious choice behind an action.

Examples

• The defendant wilfully ignored the court order. (He deliberately and knowingly disobeyed it.)
• She wilfully destroyed the evidence to obstruct the investigation.
• He wilfully misled the public with his statements.
• The child wilfully refused to eat his vegetables.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Context: In law, "wilfully" is a crucial term to establish (guilty mind). An act done "wilfully" is done intentionally and voluntarily, distinguishing it from an accident or mistake.
  • Example: The charge requires proof that the damage was caused wilfully.
• "Wilfully blind" or "Willful blindness": A legal doctrine where a person intentionally avoids learning the truth to avoid responsibility.
  • Example: The manager was found liable because he was wilfully blind to the safety violations in his department.

Variants and Related Words

• Willful (Adjective): Describes a person or action that is deliberate, intentional, or stubbornly determined.
  • Example: He was a willful child who never listened. / That was a willful act of vandalism.
• Willfulness (Noun): The quality or state of being willful.
  • Example: The judge noted the willfulness of the offense.

Synonyms

• Deliberately
• Intentionally
• Knowingly
• Purposefully
• Voluntarily
• Obstinately
• Stubbornly

Antonyms

• Accidentally
• Unintentionally
• Inadvertently
• Unwittingly

Notes on Spelling

• The standard spelling in American English is willfully (with two 'l's).
• The spelling wilfully (with one 'l') is common in British English. Both are correct, with the spelling differing by regional convention. The adjective form follows the same pattern: (US) / (UK).

Adverb

1. in a willful manner
   • she had willfully deceived me