What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purposefully
Example
She walked purposefully towards the stage to receive her award. [purposefully: adverb]
Example
He purposefully ignored her text messages, hoping she would get the message. [purposefully: adverb]
willfully
Example
He willfully broke the law by driving under the influence. [willfully: adverb]
Example
She willfully ignored her doctor's advice and continued to smoke. [willfully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Purposefully is more commonly used than willfully in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between purposefully and willfully?
Willfully is more formal and legalistic than purposefully, and is often used in legal contexts to describe intentional violations of the law.
