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Capered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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capered

[ˈkeɪpərd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Capered is the past tense of the verb 'caper,' which means to skip or frolic about in a playful manner. It often suggests a sense of joy, lightheartedness, or playful mischief. The act of capering can be associated with carefree movement often seen in children or animals. It conveys an image of dancing or leaping around with exuberance.

Synonyms

danced, frolicked, leaped, skipped.

Examples of usage

  • The children capered around the playground.
  • The puppies capered in the yard.
  • She capered with delight when she received the news.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The playful movement associated with this word often appears in poetry, suggesting freedom and joy.
  • Writers like Shakespeare used similar joyful actions to convey characters' carefree spirits in their works.
  • In children's literature, it often describes animals or characters having fun, making it relatable for young readers.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and songs, characters often caper when celebrating or experiencing joy, making it a lively visual.
  • This word might appear in playful dance scenes in musicals, highlighting moments of pure happiness.
  • Animated films frequently show characters capering to express excitement or glee, captivating audiences.

Psychology

  • Engaging in joyful, playful movements like capering can boost mood and reduce stress.
  • Research shows that physical play is important for social development, especially in children.
  • The act of capering can inspire feelings of freedom, often linked with creativity and expression.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, playful dancing or leaping is a form of celebration during festivals.
  • Some traditional dances involve movements similar to capering, emphasizing joy and community.
  • Capering can symbolize youth and vitality, representing a carefree approach to life across cultures.

Origin of 'capered'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French 'caper,' meaning to frolic or jump about.
  • It is related to a Latin word 'caper,' which means goat, likely due to their playful jumping.
  • It has been used in English since the early 19th century, often describing joyful movement.

The word 'caper' has its origins in the late Middle English period and can be traced back to the Latin word 'caper,' which means 'goat.' This connection to goats is believed to come from their playful and bounding movement, reminiscent of the action described by the verb. The term evolved in English to refer not only to the leaps made by goats but also to similar lively movements made by humans and other animals. The incorporation of capering behaviors into the vernacular reflects the influence of pastoral life, where the joy and agility of animals like goats provided inspiration for human expression. Over the centuries, 'caper' has taken on varied meanings, including connotations of mischievous behavior, which is often reflected in storytelling and folklore.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,338, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.