wilfulness

/'wilfulnis/
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wilfulness

A young child displays wilfulness by refusing to put on their coat.

Definition

Noun: 1. The quality of being wilful: The trait of being determined to do as one wishes, especially in a way that is stubborn, obstinate, or resistant to guidance or discipline. It implies a deliberate and often unreasonable insistence on one's own way.

Usage

"Wilfulness" describes a persistent character trait, not a single act. It is used to label someone's general disposition as stubbornly self-willed. * It is often used in contexts discussing behavior, personality, or child psychology. * It typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting disobedience or a lack of cooperation.

Examples
  • The child's wilfulness made it difficult for the teacher to manage the classroom.
  • Her success was due not just to talent but to a certain wilfulness that refused to accept failure.
  • The manager was frustrated by the team member's wilfulness and unwillingness to follow the new protocol.
Advanced Usage
  • Legal/Formal Context: In some formal or legal contexts, "wilfulness" can imply a deliberate intention to act in a certain way, often with knowledge that the action is wrong. (e.g., )
  • "Sheer wilfulness": This phrase emphasizes the obstinate and uncompromising nature of the trait.
    • He refused the help out of sheer wilfulness.
Variants and Related Words
  • Wilful (adjective, chiefly UK spelling; US spelling: willful): Having or showing a stubborn determination to do as one wants.
    • a wilful child
  • Willfulness (noun, US spelling): The American English spelling of "wilfulness".
  • Self-will (noun): Very similar in meaning, emphasizing stubborn persistence in following one's own desires.
Synonyms
  • Stubbornness
  • Obstinacy
  • Obduracy
  • Intransigence
  • Recalcitrance
Antonyms
  • Compliance
  • Obedience
  • Tractability
  • Flexibility
  • Submissiveness
Related Idioms/Phrases
  • A wilful man will have his way: A proverb meaning a stubbornly determined person will eventually get what they want, often despite obstacles.
  • To bend someone to one's will: This phrase relates to overcoming someone else's wilfulness.
wilfulness

A young child displays wilfulness by refusing to put on their coat.

Noun
  1. the trait of being prone to disobedience and lack of discipline

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