willfulness
Definition
Noun: 1. The trait of being prone to disobedience and lack of discipline: The quality of being determined to have one's own way, often stubbornly and unreasonably, showing a deliberate disregard for rules, authority, or the wishes of others.
Usage
"Willfulness" describes a persistent, intentional character trait where a person insists on acting according to their own desires, often in a headstrong, obstinate, or defiant manner. It implies a conscious choice to resist guidance or control.
Examples
- The child's willfulness made it difficult for the teacher to manage the classroom.
- Her success was partly due to her willfulness, but it also caused frequent conflicts with her colleagues.
- The court considered the defendant's willfulness in disobeying the order as a sign of contempt.
Advanced Usage
- Legal Context: In law, "willfulness" often refers to an intentional act done with a reckless disregard for the law or the rights of others, which can affect the severity of a charge or penalty.
- The prosecutor had to prove the willfulness of the violation to secure a conviction.
Variants and Related Words
- Willful (adjective): Describes a person or action characterized by willfulness.
- He was a willful child who never listened to warnings.
- Willfully (adverb): In a willful manner.
- She willfully ignored the safety instructions.
Synonyms
- Stubbornness
- Obstinacy
- Recalcitrance
- Intransigence
- Defiance
Antonyms
- Compliance
- Obedience
- Submissiveness
- Tractability
- Docility
Related Phrases and Idioms
- A willful disregard for: A phrase indicating a deliberate and intentional ignoring of something, such as rules or danger.
- He showed a willful disregard for the company's policies.
Noun
-
the trait of being prone to disobedience and lack of discipline
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