Definition

In a way that shows knowledge or awareness of what one is doing; intentionally or on purpose.

Example

She wittingly agreed to the terms of the contract, knowing the implications.

Conversation

Did you hear that Mark did it on purpose?

Yeah, he wittingly chose to skip the meeting.

I thought he was just being careless at first.

Nope, it seems he had his reasons for doing it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Wittingly → It is formed from "wit" (from Old English "witan", meaning to know) and "-ingly" (a suffix used to form adverbs). The word "wittingly" means in a manner that shows knowledge or awareness, or knowingly.

Memory Tip

Think of 'wit' as knowing something, and the '-ingly' shows how you do it. So, wittingly means doing something with knowledge.

Visually Confused Words