willfully
With a deliberate intention to do something, often something wrong, illegal, or harmful. / In a stubborn or headstrong manner, refusing to be controlled or persuaded.
Adverb
This adverb carries a strong negative connotation, typically implying a conscious choice to defy rules, laws, or social expectations. It is frequently used in legal contexts to describe "willful misconduct," where the actor is aware that their behavior is prohibited but chooses to proceed regardless. This distinguishes it from "intentionally," which is neutral and can describe positive or benign goals.
In a behavioral context, the word shifts toward stubbornness and obstinacy. It describes a refusal to comply that is rooted in a desire for autonomy or a spirit of defiance rather than a logical disagreement. This usage is common when describing children or headstrong individuals who resist authority for the sake of resistance.
Meanings
Examples
Related Words
intentionallydeliberatelypurposelyconsciouslyknowinglyvoluntarilystubbornlyobstinatelyaccidentallyunintentionallyinadvertentlyunwittinglyunconsciouslyreluctantlywillintentintentionvolitiondeterminationstubbornnessobstinacypersistencechoicedecisionconsciousnessawarenesspremeditationdesignpurposemalicenegligencerecklessnessculpabilityliabilitycrimeoffenseviolationtransgressionlawstatutejudgmentverdictmotiveagencyautonomyfreedomresolvetenacityheadstrongwilfulwillfulobstinatedoggedresolutecalculatedconsciousawareintentionalitywillpowerdefiancerebellioninsubordinationdisobediencerefusalinsistencecapricewhimarbitrarinessdeliberationpremeditatedfree-willmindsetattitudebehavioractionconduct