self-will: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary
Quick answer
What does “self-will” mean?
Stubborn or determined adherence to one's own desires or intentions, even when opposed by others.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Stubborn or determined adherence to one's own desires or intentions, even when opposed by others.
The quality of being strongly self-directed and independent, often to a fault, characterized by resistance to external control, persuasion, or influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major spelling or definition differences. Slightly more common in British English in formal/literary contexts.
Connotations
Consistently negative in both dialects, implying a stubborn, recalcitrant, or rebellious character. In American English, it may sometimes be used in psychological or parenting contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects. More likely found in British English in formal writing or character descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “self-will” in a Sentence
[possessive] + self-will (e.g., his self-will)self-will + [preposition] (e.g., self-will in refusing)adjective + self-will (e.g., obstinate self-will)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-will” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The toddler's fierce self-will made nappy-changing a battle.
- His self-will was his ultimate undoing in the regiment.
American English
- Her self-will prevented any compromise on the issue.
- The therapy aimed to curb the child's destructive self-will.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially negative: 'His self-will in the negotiations derailed the partnership.'
Academic
Used in philosophy, theology, psychology, or literary analysis to describe a character trait.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. Used to describe a stubborn child or an uncooperative person.
Technical
Possible in psychological profiles or educational assessments describing behavioral traits.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-will”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-will”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-will”
- Using it as a positive synonym for 'determination'. Confusing it with 'self-control' or 'willpower'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He self-willed his way' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily negative. It describes stubborn insistence on having one's own way, often disregarding others. While related to 'determination,' it lacks the positive connotation of overcoming obstacles for a worthy goal.
'Willpower' is the inner strength to control yourself and achieve difficult things (positive/neutral). 'Self-will' is the stubborn determination to follow your own desires, often resisting external control (negative).
Not directly. The adjective form is 'self-willed' (e.g., a self-willed child). 'Self-will' is a noun.
No, it is relatively uncommon and belongs to a more formal or literary register. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say 'stubbornness' or 'willfulness'.
Stubborn or determined adherence to one's own desires or intentions, even when opposed by others.
Self-will is usually formal, literary in register.
Self-will: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself ˈwɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛlf ˈwɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bend someone to one's will (related concept)”
- “have a will of iron (similar strength of character)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SELFish person who only follows their own WILL. SELF + WILL = stubborn independence.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF-WILL IS A FORCE (that resists other forces), SELF-WILL IS A BARRIER (to cooperation).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'self-will' CORRECTLY?