willful

English

Alternative forms

• wilful

Etymology

will +‎ -ful

Adjective

willful (comparative more willful, superlative most willful)

1. Done in a manner which was intended.
2. Intentional.
   • 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.

3. Stubborn.
   • 1893, Edwin Caskoden, , 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

Synonyms

• (as intended): volitional, voluntary
• (stubborn): obstinate, self-willed, headstrong, spiteful