Capriciously: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• He capriciously decided to quit his job without any backup plan.
• The weather changed capriciously, from sunny to rainy in a matter of minutes.

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.

• The whimsical illustrations in the children's book captivated their imaginations.
• Her whimsical dress sense always made her stand out at social gatherings.

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.

• The political situation in the region is very volatile and could escalate at any moment.
• Chlorine gas is highly volatile and must be handled with care.

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.

• His mercurial temperament made him both charming and frustrating to work with.
• The artist's mercurial genius was evident in his ever-evolving masterpieces.

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.

• She was so fickle, constantly changing her mind about which dress to wear.
• The fickle nature of fashion trends makes it hard to keep up.