Capriciously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🌀
capriciously
[kəˈprɪʃəsli ]
Definitions
in behavior
In a capricious manner; unpredictably, whimsically.
Examples of usage
- She changed her mind capriciously, causing confusion among her colleagues.
- The cat would capriciously decide when it wanted attention, ignoring its owner for hours at a time.
- The weather in spring can be capriciously sunny one moment and stormy the next.
in decision making
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
Synonyms
fickle, mercurial, volatile, whimsical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
capriciously |
This word is often used to describe actions or decisions made quickly and without much thought, often changing for no good reason. It generally has a negative connotation.
|
whimsical |
Whimsical is generally used to describe something that is playful, fanciful, or imaginative, often in a charming or amusing way. It has a positive or neutral connotation.
|
volatile |
This term is used to describe situations, substances, or people that are prone to rapid and unpredictable changes, often with a potential for danger or violence. It mostly has a negative connotation.
|
mercurial |
This word is best used to describe someone whose mood or behavior is very changeable and unpredictable. Unlike 'fickle', it is often used to denote someone with a lively, quick-witted nature but can imply instability.
|
fickle |
Use this word to describe people or things that are prone to frequent changes, especially concerning their loyalties, interests, or feelings. It carries a mildly negative connotation as it implies unreliability.
|
Examples of usage
- Her capricious nature made it difficult to predict how she would react to any situation.
- The boss's capricious decisions often left the employees feeling frustrated and uncertain.
- The capricious winds of change swept through the company, leaving chaos in their wake.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'capriciously'
The word 'capriciously' originates from the Latin word 'capriciosus', which means 'subject to whim'. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe behavior that is impulsive, unpredictable, and whimsical. Over time, it has come to be associated with actions that are driven by sudden changes of mood or fancy, without any apparent reason or logic.
See also: capricious.