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Meaning & use

strong-willed

adjective·Everyday

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UK/ˌstrɒŋ ˈwɪld/
US/ˌstrɔːŋ ˈwɪld/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Determined to do what you have decided to do, and not easily persuaded to change your mind.

    Grammar: Comparable: more strong-willed. Can come before a noun or after a linking verb.

    Patterns

    • a strong-willed child
    • strong-willed about something

    Their strong-willed daughter refused to wear a coat.

    He is strong-willed, so arguing with him rarely works.

    A strong-willed leader kept the team on course.

  2. adjectivecomparableapproving

    Showing steady self-control and resolve in difficult situations.

    Grammar: Often used as praise for athletes, patients and leaders.

    Patterns

    • strong-willed enough to do something

    She was strong-willed enough to finish the marathon.

    The patient was strong-willed and kept up the exercises.

    Strong-willed students often finish difficult projects.

Word forms

comparativemore strong-willed
superlativemost strong-willed

Common combinations

strong-willed child
A strong-willed child may push back on every rule.
fiercely strong-willed
She was fiercely strong-willed from a young age.
strong-willed woman
The film follows a strong-willed woman who opens a school.
very strong-willed
My grandfather is very strong-willed.
strong-willed leader
A strong-willed leader doesn't back down.

Synonyms and how they differ

determined
Determined stresses commitment to a goal and is usually positive.
headstrong
Headstrong suggests acting recklessly on your own wishes and is more negative.
stubborn
Stubborn suggests refusing to change even when you should, so it is more critical.
obstinate
Obstinate is formal and strongly negative, describing unreasonable refusal.

Opposites

weak-willedcomplianteasily led

Word family

will noun
the power to decide and act on your decisions
willpower noun
strength to control your own actions
strong-mindedly adverb
in a determined way
willful adjective
deliberately determined to have your own way
weak-willed adjective
lacking determination

Commonly confused: strong-willed or strong-minded? strong-willed or willful?

strong-willed vs strong-minded

Strong-minded stresses independent thinking, while strong-willed stresses determination to act your own way.

strong-willed vs willful

Willful is usually negative and means stubbornly deliberate, while strong-willed can be positive.

Practice

Her parents described her as ___, because once she made up her mind nobody could change it.

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