self-willed

IPA/ˌself ˈwɪld/
IPA/ˌself ˈwɪld/

self-willed — adjective

1. having such a strong attachment to your own plans and opinions that you refuse t

1.形容詞B2
釋義

having such a strong attachment to your own plans and opinions that you refuse to change, even when others give sensible advice or point out likely problems

例句

Rohan's self-willed refusal to follow the safety rules worried his teammates.

collocation: self-willed refusal + infinitive

Young Evelyn was so self-willed that no teacher could persuade her to change.

pattern: so + [adj] + that-clause

同義詞
  • stubborn

    more general; can be used for specific situations or enduring character, not always with the idea of ignoring advice

  • headstrong

    very similar in meaning but emphasises impulsive, reckless action rather than sheer refusal

  • obstinate

    more formal and stronger; suggests an almost irrational refusal to give in

  • willful

    emphasises deliberate disobedience, especially in children; more common in US English

反義詞
  • compliant

    willing to follow others' wishes or rules without resistance

  • docile

    quiet and easy to control or teach, the opposite of self-willed determination

用法筆記

Nearly always disapproving — it describes someone who refuses reasonable guidance, not someone with admirable determination. Common in contexts involving authority, rules, or teamwork.

常見錯誤

❌She is strong-willed and refuses to listen to anyone.' (when criticising)
✅She is self-willed and refuses to listen to anyone.
💡'strong-willed' is neutral or admiring; 'self-willed' is critical, so it fits a negative description.
❌My cat is so self-willed about where it sleeps.
✅My cat is so stubborn about where it sleeps.
💡'self-willed' implies a deliberate, human-like refusal to follow advice; it sounds odd applied to animals or inanimate things.