Whim: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone suddenly decides to do something without a clear reason or plan. It often suggests a sudden, fleeting desire.

• She went to the beach on a whim.
• He bought the expensive watch on a whim.

Implies a sudden urge to act, often driven by emotion rather than thought. It can be neutral or slightly negative, depending on the context.

• He acted on an impulse and quit his job.
• She resisted the impulse to yell at him.

Describes a sudden and unaccountable change in mood or behavior. It often implies unpredictability and can have a slightly negative connotation.

• The manager's decision was seen as a mere caprice.
• Her constant caprices made it difficult to work with her.

Suggests a playful or fanciful idea or behavior, often charming and imaginative. It generally carries a positive or light-hearted connotation.

• The artist’s paintings are full of whimsy.
• The story was filled with whimsy and magic.

Used when referring to a sudden, unpredictable change of mind or idea, often based on impulse rather than reason.

• She decided to take a road trip on a whim.
• Buying that expensive hat was just a whim.

Best used when talking about imaginative or unreal ideas, often those that are fanciful, imaginative or rooted in daydreams.

• She often loses herself in daydreams and fantasy.
• The book transports readers into a world of fantasy.

Refers to a general idea or understanding, which can be either simple or slightly less formed than a full concept.

• He had no notion of the difficulties involved.
• The notion that money can buy happiness is misguided.

Appropriate when discussing an idea or plan that is carefully thought out, often involving understanding, creation, or the starting phase of something.

• The conception of the new project took months of planning.
• His conception of a perfect society is very detailed.