Waywardly describes a manner marked by capricious or erratic behavior. It signifies a departure from what is expected or considered proper. It suggests a stubborn and unpredictable streak, often implying a refusal to conform to rules, authority, or conventional norms. Behavior described as waywardly indicates a tendency toward self-will and an unwillingness to be guided or controlled. This can apply to actions, thoughts, or the general trajectory of one's life. It may also hint at being disobedient or unruly, often associated with youth, though it's not limited to it. Wayward behavior could arise from a rebellious nature or a lack of direction and purpose, resulting in wandering or aimless actions. It paints a picture of someone who doesn't fit within pre-set expectations and strays from the path.
Waywardly meaning with examples
- The young artist, bored by traditional techniques, waywardly embraced abstract expressionism, shocking the established art scene with her unconventional methods. She tossed aside all the traditional forms, opting instead for color and line, her canvas as her sole dominion. Her teachers despaired, but her rebellious spirit knew no bounds, and the market slowly agreed with her. She was a rising star.
- Ignoring the advice of her financial advisors, the entrepreneur waywardly invested in a risky startup, leading to both spectacular gains and heartbreaking losses. Her confidence was always high as she was completely sure of her intuition, though she would often find herself in trouble. Despite that, she always had the desire to try new things, constantly learning and evolving.
- After the argument, the teenager waywardly stormed out of the house, refusing to speak to his parents for days, displaying his defiance to their attempt at discipline. The silence in the home only served to build his fury as he stayed inside his room. He was stubborn and headstrong and often found himself arguing with his elders, pushing the boundaries.
- The detective followed the suspect's waywardly erratic movements, realizing he was desperately trying to avoid surveillance, leading the detective on a wild chase across the city. The suspect seemed to know every alley and backstreet, causing them to lose him for a little bit, but with some good old-fashioned police work, they caught up.
- Despite attempts to guide him toward a stable career, the student waywardly pursued various interests, flitting from one subject to another without commitment, demonstrating a lack of focus. He was curious and open to anything but could not stick with things for too long. It was impossible to predict what he would learn about next, making planning ahead hard.