wilful

Alternative forms

• willful (American)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈwɪlfʊl/, /ˈwɪlfəl/
• Hyphenation: wil‧ful

Adjective

wilful (comparative wilfuller or more wilful, superlative wilfullest or most wilful)

1. intentional; deliberate
   • 2005, Irvin D. Yalom; Molyn Leszcz, The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, page 182:

     Knowingly or unknowingly, every therapist assumes that each client possesses the capacity to change through willful choice.

   Synonym: volitional, voluntary

2. stubborn and determined
   • 1893, Edwin Caskoden, (Please provide the book title or journal name), page 110:

     Mary had taken the whim into her willful head, and Jane could not dissuade her.

   • 1995, Francine Rivers, As Sure as the Dawn, page 232:

     "He's as willful as you," Rizpah said. "If you let him hurt himself again, so help me, I'll — "

   • 2007, Roger K. Thomas, Kinshu: Autumn Brocade‎, translation of original by Teru Miyamoto, page 136:

     You had a pampered upbringing, and possessed enough of a willful streak that I wanted to slap you at times

   Synonym: obstinate, self-willed, headstrong, spiteful