Whim Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ญ
whim
[wษชm ]
Definitions
sudden desire
A sudden wish or desire, often without a logical basis or reason.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
whim |
Used when someone suddenly decides to do something without a clear reason or plan. It often suggests a sudden, fleeting desire.
|
impulse |
Implies a sudden urge to act, often driven by emotion rather than thought. It can be neutral or slightly negative, depending on the context.
|
caprice |
Describes a sudden and unaccountable change in mood or behavior. It often implies unpredictability and can have a slightly negative connotation.
|
whimsy |
Suggests a playful or fanciful idea or behavior, often charming and imaginative. It generally carries a positive or light-hearted connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- I bought that dress on a whim.
- She decided to travel to Paris on a whim.
fanciful idea
An odd or fanciful notion or idea.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
whim |
Used when referring to a sudden, unpredictable change of mind or idea, often based on impulse rather than reason.
|
fantasy |
Best used when talking about imaginative or unreal ideas, often those that are fanciful, imaginative or rooted in daydreams.
|
notion |
Refers to a general idea or understanding, which can be either simple or slightly less formed than a full concept.
|
conception |
Appropriate when discussing an idea or plan that is carefully thought out, often involving understanding, creation, or the starting phase of something.
|
Examples of usage
- He always has whims about becoming a famous actor.
- Her whims about starting her own business never seem to materialize.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Individuals often make decisions on a whim when they feel spontaneous, which can lead to more creative choices.
- Research shows that acting on whims can boost mood and increase happiness because it breaks routine.
- People tend to experience regret when they ignore their whims, suggesting that these sudden urges can be significant.
Pop Culture
- In literature, whims often drive characters to adventure, showcasing the unpredictable nature of human impulses.
- Movies like 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' illustrate the joy of living on a whim and embracing spontaneity.
- Musicians sometimes write songs on a whim, capturing the raw emotion of the moment.
Arts
- Many artists create works by whims, letting their ideas flow freely rather than following strict plans.
- Surrealists celebrated whimsical ideas, allowing the subconscious to guide their creativity.
- The whimsical style in art and literature often reflects a sense of childlike wonder.
History
- The term was used in the Victorian era to describe fanciful ideas and behaviors that diverged from the norm.
- Historical figures like Salvador Dalรญ embraced whimsy, creating works that defied logic and convention.
- In the 18th century, whimsy was recognized as a legitimate theme in poetry and literature, playing on emotion and imagination.
Origin of 'whim'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'whimsy', which means 'a capricious whim or fancy'.
- It may be related to the word 'whim-wham', which refers to a trifle or a whimsy.
- The term likely evolved in the 17th century, becoming more common in everyday language.
The word 'whim' originated in the late 17th century, derived from the English dialect word 'whim-wham', which meant a whim or fancy. It is believed to have roots in the Middle Dutch word 'wim-wam', meaning a trinket or bauble.
See also: whimsical, whimsicality, whimsically, whimsicalness, whimsied, whimsy.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #15,530, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 15527 journalistic
- 15528 competed
- 15529 ingested
- 15530 whim
- 15531 confederation
- 15532 sedentary
- 15533 asunder
- ...