willy-nilly

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(wil′ē nil′ē)

adverb

  1. whether one wishes it or not; willingly or unwillingly
  2. in a disordered way; helter-skelter

Origin: contr. < will I, nill I: see will & nill

adjective

that is or happens whether one wishes it or not

See willy-nilly in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adverb
  1. Whether desired or not: After her boss fell sick, she willy-nilly found herself directing the project.
  2. Without order or plan; haphazardly.
adjective
  1. Being or occurring whether desired or not: willy-nilly cooperation.
  2. Disordered; haphazard: willy-nilly zoning laws.

Origin:

Origin: Alteration of will ye (or he), nill ye (or he), be you (or he) willing, be you (or he) unwilling

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© 1996-2013 LoveToKnow, Corp. All Rights Reserved. Audio pronunciation provided by LoveToKnow, Corp.