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.

Noun

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