Pronunciation: [wˈɪlfə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "willful" can be confusing in terms of spelling. Its proper spelling is "w-i-l-l-f-u-l." However, the pronunciation of the word may lead some to think that it should be spelled with only one "l," as in "w-i-l-f-u-l." The correct pronunciation of "willful" is /ˈwɪlfəl/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The word means to do something intentionally or deliberately, rather than by accident or mistake.
Willful, an adjective, refers to a deliberate or intentional action or behavior demonstrating a conscious choice, usually in opposition to what is expected, recommended, or required. It implies stubbornness, self-willed determination, and a tendency to act according to personal desires or capricious motives, often disregarding the opinions or advice of others.
A willful person is characterized by an obstinate and headstrong nature, driven by their own convictions, even when those beliefs may be contrary to common sense or societal norms. This individual is resolute in pursuing their goals or desires, often displaying unwavering determination in the face of opposition or difficulties.
The term can also describe an intentional act of defiance or disobedience. For example, a willful violation of rules or regulations suggests a deliberate disregard for established protocols.
While willfulness can be seen as a strength of character, it can also carry negative connotations, suggesting a level of stubbornness that impedes cooperation, compromise, or learning from others. This adjective is often used to describe children or individuals who consistently act in defiance or rebellion against authority, demonstrating a resistance to guidance or the discipline of others.
In summary, "willful" describes an intentional, deliberate, and often stubborn behavior that reflects a strong-willed individual's determination to follow their own desires or beliefs, sometimes despite the consequences or the advice of others.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "willful" originated from the Old English word "wilful", which is derived from the combination of "wil" (desire or determination) and "full" (full of or characterized by). In Old English, "wilful" meant "full of desire" or "having a strong will or determination". Over time, the spelling of the word evolved to its current form, "willful", which is still used to describe someone who acts deliberately or intentionally.
