WILFULNESS Meaning and
Definition
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Wilfulness is a noun that refers to the characteristic or quality of being resolute, unyielding, and determined. It describes the state of intentionally intending to do something despite knowing it may go against logic, reason, or the advice of others. It encompasses a persistent and strong-willed nature, often exhibiting stubbornness, obstinacy, and a refusal to be swayed or influenced.
This term is commonly associated with a person's deliberate decision to act contrary to what is expected, acceptable, or advisable. It often implies a sense of self-assurance, defiance, and an insistence on following one's desires or wishes, regardless of the consequence or impact on others. Wilfulness can also suggest an inclination towards self-interest, as individuals exhibiting this trait tend to prioritize their own preferences and objectives over the needs or expectations of others.
Wilfulness can manifest across various contexts, including personal relationships, decision-making processes, and professional settings. While it can be perceived negatively, as a sign of an individual's inflexibility or disregard for others, it may also indicate an individual's determination, commitment, and tenacity, particularly in the pursuit of their goals.
Overall, wilfulness refers to a deliberate, purposeful, and often unyielding disposition that demonstrates an individual's strong determination and resoluteness, rooted in their own desires, whims, or agenda.
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Obstinacy; stubbornness; at will, at pleasure; good will, favour; kindness; goodwill of a business, business connections and other advantages, so far as they can be disposed of, assigned by a disposer to his successor, viewed apart from furniture, stock-in-trade, tools, or suchlike; freedom of the will, the doctrine of the freedom of the human will, as opposed to the doctrine of necessity; ill-will, enmity; to have one's will, to obtain what is desired.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for WILFULNESS
- willfullness
- qilfulness
- ailfulness
- eilfulness
- 3ilfulness
- 2ilfulness
- wulfulness
- wjlfulness
- wklfulness
- wolfulness
- w9lfulness
- w8lfulness
- wikfulness
Etymology of WILFULNESS
The word "wilfulness" originated from the combination of two Old English words: "wil" and "fylle".
The first part, "wil", was derived from the Old English word "will(a)", which meant desire, purpose, or disposition. The Middle English form of this word was "wille", which referred to the faculty of conscious choice and intention.
The second part, "fylle", was derived from the Old English word "fyllan", which meant to fill, complete, or fulfill. In this context, it denoted the act or state of being filled with will or desire.
Over time, the two words fused together to form "wilful", which originally meant full of will, characterized by strong determination or intention. The word "wilfulness" subsequently emerged as a noun form, indicating the quality or state of being wilful.
Similar spelling words for WILFULNESS
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