wilful
wilful — adjective
- wilfulpositive
- more wilfulcomparative
- most wilfulsuperlative
1. describes a harmful action done on purpose, knowing it breaks rules or moral sta
describes a harmful action done on purpose, knowing it breaks rules or moral standards; or describes a stubborn person who insists on having their own way despite others' advice.
The driver was charged with wilful damage after crashing his car into a shop window.
collocation: wilful damage
The construction firm was found guilty of wilful neglect over missing safety rails.
collocation: wilful neglect (legal context)
Femi is a wilful child who throws a tantrum when his parents say no.
Omar showed wilful ignorance by refusing to read the warning label before using the medicine.
Yan's wilful refusal to do homework led to a meeting with the head teacher.
- deliberate
Neutral — does not carry moral judgment; 'wilful' adds blame or disapproval
- intentional
Neutral register; 'wilful' is more formal and implies the person knew it was wrong
- stubborn
More informal and person-focused; lacks the 'deliberate bad action' meaning
- headstrong
Emphasises impulsive determination rather than calculated wrongdoing
- accidental
Describes events that happen without intent
- compliant
Describes a person who follows rules and listens to others
用法筆記
Common in British legal and formal contexts. The American spelling is 'willful'. When applied to a person, it often carries a disapproving tone about their stubbornness.