different between wayward vs vexatious

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

a 1650 vexation +? -ous

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /v?k?se???s/
• Rhymes: -e???s

Adjective

vexatious (comparative more vexatious, superlative most vexatious)

1. Causing vexation or annoyance; teasing; troublesome.
2. (archaic) Full of trouble or disquiet

   Synonyms: harassed, distressed, annoyed, vexed

   • 1644, Kenelm Digby, Two Treatises - To My Son Kenelm Digby (preface)

     He leads a vexatious life.

3. (law, of an action) Commenced for the purpose of giving trouble, without due cause.

   a vexatious lawsuit

4. (law, of a party or entity) In the habit of starting vexatious litigation and therefore liable to have restraints placed on one's ability to access the courts.

   a vexatious litigant

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:annoying

Derived terms

• vexatiously
• vexatiousness

Related terms

• vex
• vexation

Translations

References

• vexatious in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• vexatious in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.