willfully
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: In a deliberate, intentional, and often stubborn manner, showing a conscious choice to act in a certain way regardless of consequences or advice.
Usage
The adverb "willfully" describes an action done with deliberate intent, often implying a degree of obstinacy or conscious disregard for rules, facts, or the rights of others. It modifies verbs to indicate the manner of the action.
Examples
- The defendant willfully ignored the court's orders.
- He willfully destroyed the evidence to obstruct the investigation.
- She willfully chose to misunderstand my instructions.
Advanced Usage
- Legal Context: In legal language, "willfully" often denotes an act committed intentionally and with knowledge that it was wrong, which can affect the severity of a charge or violation.
- The company was fined for willfully violating environmental regulations.
- Emphasizing Stubbornness: It can emphasize a stubborn or headstrong attitude in pursuing a course of action against advice.
- The child willfully refused to eat his vegetables.
Variants and Related Words
- Willful (Adjective): Describes a person or action characterized by stubborn determination or deliberate intent.
- He was a willful child who never listened.
- That was a willful act of vandalism.
Synonyms
- Deliberately
- Intentionally
- Knowingly
- Purposefully
- Voluntarily
Antonyms
- Accidentally
- Unintentionally
- Inadvertently
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Willful ignorance: The decision to ignore or avoid known facts or information.
- His failure was due to willful ignorance of the basic procedures.
- Willful misconduct: Intentional improper behavior, especially in a professional or legal context.
- The employee was dismissed for willful misconduct.
Adverb
- in a willful manner
- she had willfully deceived me