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English Lexicon

Wayward

/ˈweɪ.wɚd/
adjectiveCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #9450 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Turned or turning away from what is right or proper; erratic, unpredictable, or unruly.

    "The teacher tried to guide the wayward student back to a path of academic focus."
  2. 2

    Following one's own capricious, impulsive inclinations; difficult to control or predict.

    "A wayward breeze caught the sailboat and abruptly changed its course."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Middle English in the 14th century as an aphetic contraction of 'awayward', meaning turned away from the right path. Over time, the morphological root shifted in popular perception to associate with 'away' and 'ward', denoting someone who persistently turns away from control or guidance.

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