Wilful vs. Willful — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 3, 2024
Wilful denotes deliberate action or stubbornness, while willful is its American spelling variant, both conveying intentionality or defiance.
Difference Between Wilful and Willful
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Wilful, used predominantly in British English, characterizes actions or attitudes marked by a deliberate intention or stubbornness. Conversely, willful is the American English spelling, with no difference in pronunciation or core meaning, illustrating the orthographic variation between these dialects.
The term wilful often appears in legal and psychological contexts to describe actions taken with conscious intent, particularly those that defy norms or laws. Willful, sharing this application, is used in American legal documents and discussions to convey the same sense of deliberate defiance or intention.
In describing personality traits, someone described as wilful is often seen as determined or refusing to be controlled. On the other hand, describing someone as willful in American English carries the same connotations, suggesting a strong-willed or defiant character.
Despite the spelling differences, both terms carry a negative connotation when describing actions or behaviors deemed socially or morally inappropriate. However, in contexts where determination and resilience are valued, both wilful and willful can carry positive connotations.
Wilful misconduct and willful misconduct are legal terms used in both British and American English, respectively, to denote actions undertaken with intentional disregard for the rights or safety of others. This shared use underscores the functional similarity of the terms across legal systems.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling & Usage
British English, used to describe deliberate actions or stubbornness.
American English variant, identical in meaning and pronunciation.
Contextual Application
Legal, psychological, and descriptive contexts.
Used similarly in American legal, psychological, and descriptive contexts.
Connotation
Can be negative, implying stubbornness or defiance, but also positive for determination.
Shares the same connotations of defiance or determination.
Legal Terms
"Wilful misconduct" denotes intentional harm or negligence.
"Willful misconduct" used in the same legal context in the US.
Pronunciation
/ˈwɪlfʊl/
/ˈwɪlfʊl/
Compare with Definitions
Wilful
Characterized by determination.
His wilful nature helped him overcome obstacles.
Willful
Done on purpose; intentional.
It was a willful act of vandalism.
Wilful
Deliberate or intentional.
The act was not accidental but wilful.
Willful
Legal intentional wrongdoing.
The company was accused of willful negligence.
Wilful
Intentional misconduct.
The judge found him guilty of wilful neglect.
Willful
Exhibiting a refusal to be controlled.
The willful teenager argued with every directive.
Wilful
Showing stubbornness.
Her wilful refusal to comply caused frustration.
Willful
Demonstrating stubbornness or defiance.
His willful disregard for the rules got him in trouble.
Wilful
Refusing to be controlled.
The wilful child would not heed any advice.
Willful
Marked by determination.
Her willful determination led to her success.
Wilful
(of a bad or harmful act) intentional; deliberate
Wilful acts of damage
Willful
Said or done on purpose; deliberate
Willful disregard of the rules.
Wilful
Having or showing a stubborn and determined intention to do as one wants, regardless of the consequences
A spoiled, wilful child
Willful
Obstinately bent on having one's own way
Exasperated by his willful child.
Wilful
Variant of willful.
Willful
Standard spelling of wilful
Wilful
Intentional; deliberate.
Willful
Of set purpose; self-determined; voluntary; as, willful murder.
In willful poverty chose to lead his life.
Thou to meArt all things under heaven, all places thou,Who, for my willful crime, art banished hence.
Wilful
Stubborn and determined.
Willful
Governed by the will without yielding to reason; obstinate; perverse; inflexible; stubborn; refractory; as, a willful man or horse.
Wilful
See Willful, Willfully, and Willfulness.
Willful
Done by design;
The insult was intentional
Willful disobedience
Wilful
Done by design;
The insult was intentional
Willful disobedience
Willful
Habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition
Wilful
Habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition
Willful
By conscious design or purpose;
Intentional damage
A knowing attempt to defraud
A willful waste of time
Wilful
By conscious design or purpose;
Intentional damage
A knowing attempt to defraud
A willful waste of time
Common Curiosities
What does wilful mean?
Wilful describes actions or attitudes that are deliberate, intentional, or stubborn, primarily in British English.
How is willful spelled in American English?
In American English, it is spelled as "willful," denoting the same qualities of deliberateness or stubbornness.
Are wilful and willful interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable in meaning, with the difference lying in regional spelling preferences.
Can wilful have a positive connotation?
Yes, wilful can have a positive connotation when referring to determination or resilience.
What is willful misconduct?
Willful misconduct refers to actions taken with intentional disregard for the rights or safety of others, used in legal contexts.
Which spelling should I use for international contexts?
The choice depends on the target audience's familiarity with either British or American English spelling conventions.
Why are there two spellings for wilful/willful?
The two spellings reflect the orthographic differences between British and American English.
Is there a pronunciation difference between wilful and willful?
No, both are pronounced the same way: /ˈwɪlfʊl/.
Can describing someone as willful be negative?
Yes, it can be negative if it refers to someone's stubbornness or defiance in a problematic context.
How do legal systems differentiate between wilful and unintentional actions?
Legal systems assess the intent behind actions, with wilful indicating deliberate intent and distinguishing from unintentional or accidental actions.
Do dictionaries list both spellings of wilful/willful?
Yes, most comprehensive dictionaries provide both spellings, noting the regional usage.
Can businesses be accused of willful negligence?
Yes, businesses can face legal action for willful negligence if they intentionally ignore safety regulations or standards.
Is wilful ignorance a recognized concept?
Yes, wilful ignorance is recognized, especially in legal and ethical discussions, as deliberately choosing not to know something that one could easily learn.
Can the concept of wilful determination apply to achieving personal goals?
Yes, both wilful and willful determination can positively describe the drive and perseverance needed to achieve personal goals.
How does the spelling impact the meaning of wilful or willful in sentences?
The spelling does not impact the meaning; the context and regional usage dictate the appropriate spelling.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
