wilful

wilful
[[t]wɪ̱lfʊl[/t]]
1) ADJ: ADJ n (disapproval) If you describe actions or attitudes as wilful, you are critical of them because they are done or expressed deliberately, especially with the intention of causing someone harm.

Wilful neglect of our manufacturing industry has caused this problem...

A jury found the airline guilty of wilful misconduct because its lax security allowed a suitcase bomb on to the plane.

Syn:
Derived words:
wilfully ADV-GRADED ADV with v, ADV adj

There were claims that the Front has wilfully perverted democracy...

West was wilfully blind to the abuse that took place.

2) ADJ-GRADED If you describe someone as wilful, you mean that they are determined to do what they want to do, even if it is not sensible.

...as the beautiful Lara becomes ever more wilful and irresponsible.

Syn:
Derived words:
wilfulness N-UNCOUNT

I refuse to stand by and see the company allowed to run aground because of one woman's wilfulness.


English dictionary. 2008.

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Synonyms:

Look at other dictionaries:

  • wilful — var of willful Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam Webster. 1996. wilful …   Law dictionary

  • Wilful — Wil ful, a., Wilfully Wil ful*ly, adv., Wilfulness Wil ful*ness, n. See {Willful}, {Willfully}, and {Willfulness}. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • wilful — is spelt in this way in BrE, but willful is also used in AmE …   Modern English usage

  • wilful — (US also willful) ► ADJECTIVE 1) intentional; deliberate. 2) stubborn and determined. DERIVATIVES wilfully adverb wilfulness noun …   English terms dictionary

  • wilful — [wil′fəl] adj. alt. sp. of WILLFUL …   English World dictionary

  • wilful — /ˈwɪlfəl / (say wilfuhl) adjective 1. willed, voluntary, or intentional: wilful murder. 2. self willed or headstrong; perversely obstinate or intractable. Also, US, willful. {Middle English; Old English wilful willing (in wilful līce willingly).… …  

  • wilful — adj. (US willful) 1 (of an action or state) intentional, deliberate (wilful murder; wilful neglect; wilful disobedience). 2 (of a person) obstinate, headstrong. Derivatives: wilfully adv. wilfulness n. Etymology: ME f. WILL(2) + FUL …   Useful english dictionary

  • wilful — wil|ful BrE willful AmE [ˈwılfəl] adj 1.) continuing to do what you want, even after you have been told to stop used to show disapproval ▪ a wilful child 2.) wilful damage/disobedience/exaggeration etc deliberate damage etc, when you know that… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • wilful — BrE, willful AmE adjective 1 continuing to do what you want, even after you have been told to stop: a wilful child 2 wilful damage/disobedience/exaggeration etc deliberate damage etc, when you know that what you are doing is wrong wilfully adverb …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • wilful — adjective 1) wilful destruction Syn: deliberate, intentional, premeditated, planned, conscious 2) a wilful child Syn: headstrong, strong willed, obstinate, stubborn, pig headed, rec …   Synonyms and antonyms dictionary

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