different between wayward vs uncertain

English

Etymology

shortening of away +? -ward

Pronunciation

• enPR: w?'w?rd, IPA^(key): /?we?w?d/

Adjective

wayward (comparative more wayward, superlative most wayward)

1. given to wilful, perverse deviation from the expected norm; tending to stray
2. obstinate, contrary and unpredictable
3. (sports) not on target

Synonyms

• willful, headstrong, perverse, obstinate, obdurate, contrary, disobedient, insubordinate, undisciplined, capricious, witherward, froward
• See also Thesaurus:obstinate

Translations

English

Etymology

un- +? certain

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?n?s??t?n/
• Rhymes: -??(r)t?n

Adjective

uncertain (comparative more uncertain, superlative most uncertain)

1. Not certain; unsure.
   • 1663, John Tillotson, The Wisdom of being Religious

     Man, without the protection of a superior Being, […] is […] uncertain of everything that he hopes for.

2. Not known for certain; questionable.

3. Not yet determined; undecided.
4. Variable and subject to change.
5. Fitful or unsteady.

   • Turning back, then, toward the basement staircase, she began to grope her way through blinding darkness, but had taken only a few uncertain steps when, of a sudden, she stopped short and for a little stood like a stricken thing, quite motionless save that she quaked to her very marrow in the grasp of a great and enervating fear.

6. Unpredictable or capricious.

Antonyms

• certain

Related terms

• uncertainly, uncertainty

Translations

Noun

uncertain pl (plural only)

1. (with "the") Something uncertain.

Anagrams

• N Centauri, centaurin, encurtain, runcinate