What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
erratic
Example
The stock market has been behaving erratically lately. [erratically: adverb]
Example
Her moods were erratic, making it difficult to predict her reactions. [erratic: adjective]
capricious
Example
The weather in this region is notoriously capricious. [capricious: adjective]
Example
She was known for her capricious decisions, often changing her mind at the last minute. [capricious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Erratic is more commonly used than capricious in everyday language. Erratic is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while capricious is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between erratic and capricious?
Both erratic and capricious are relatively formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, erratic is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while capricious is more commonly used in formal writing or literature.
