What does wildness mean?
Wildness is the state or quality of being untamed, uncultivated, or free from ordinary restraint. It can describe physical landscapes, animals, human behavior, or qualities in art and language. In phrases such as the wildness of the mountains, the word emphasizes the power, freedom, and unpredictability of nature. When applied to people or actions, it may suggest independence and vitality, though it can also imply aggression or a disregard for rules. Literary uses of wildness often present it as something primal or emotionally intense, as in a wildness in a performance or a voice. The word is useful because it captures both the attractive energy of what remains untamed and the possible disorder that freedom or ferocity can entail.
nounWildness is the quality or state of being wild, especially of uncultivated nature, an untamed animal, or behavior that is uninhibited, irregular, or difficult to control.
- The state or quality of being wild, untamed, or uncultivated.
- Unrestrained, irregular, or impassioned behavior.
- A sense of untamed energy or freedom, especially in art, literature, or landscape.
"The wildness of the northern landscape seemed to swallow the narrow road ahead."
"The wildness of the moor inspired the painter to use brighter colors."
"There was a wildness in her voice that made the entire audience lean forward."
Wildness is normally uncountable; the plural form is uncommon and is chiefly used when contrasting different kinds or instances of wildness.
"The novel contrasts the physical wildness of the island with the emotional wildness of its inhabitants."
Wildness began with the idea of something untamed, and still carries the spark of a landscape or spirit that cannot be contained.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wildness come from?
Wildness is an English formation in the suffix -ness attached to wild. Its base descends from Old English wilde, meaning “untamed” or “uncultivated,” and ultimately from a Germanic root associated with wildness. The abstract noun developed in Middle English, with its meanings extending from a wild animal or uncultivated state to unrestrained behavior.
How wildness is actually used
The word is generally neutral to positive when it describes nature, art, or creative energy, but it can also suggest danger, disorder, or a lack of social restraint.
Easily confused with wildness
Wildness is a quality or state, whereas wilderness is an uncultivated or uninhabited stretch of land.