What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
capricious
Example
She is known for her capricious nature, always changing her mind at the last minute. [capricious: adjective]
Example
The weather in this region can be quite capricious, with sudden shifts from sunny to rainy. [capricious: adjective]
unpredictable
Example
The outcome of the game was unpredictable until the very end. [unpredictable: adjective]
Example
He has an unpredictable personality, you never know how he will react in different situations. [unpredictable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unpredictable is more commonly used than capricious in everyday language. Unpredictable is a versatile word that can be applied to various situations and events, while capricious is less common and often used specifically to describe people's behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between capricious and unpredictable?
Both capricious and unpredictable can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, capricious may have a slightly more informal tone due to its association with whimsical or fickle behavior.