WAYWARD


Meaning of WAYWARD in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈwā-wərd ]

adjective

Etymology: Middle English, short for awayward turned away, from away, adverb + -ward

Date: 14th century

1. : following one's own capricious, wanton, or depraved inclinations : ungovernable

a wayward child

2. : following no clear principle or law : unpredictable

3. : opposite to what is desired or expected : untoward

wayward fate

Synonyms: see contrary

• way·ward·ly adverb

• way·ward·ness noun

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.