What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
temperamental
Example
She's very temperamental and can go from happy to angry in seconds. [temperamental: adjective]
Example
The old car is quite temperamental and won't start on cold mornings. [temperamental: adjective]
Example
The weather has been quite temperamental lately, with sudden changes in temperature and rainfall. [temperamental: adjective]
capricious
Example
He's a capricious boss who changes his mind frequently and without warning. [capricious: adjective]
Example
The stock market can be quite capricious, with sudden fluctuations in value. [capricious: adjective]
Example
Her taste in music is quite capricious, she likes one genre one day and another the next. [capricious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Capricious is less common than temperamental in everyday language. Temperamental is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while capricious is more specific and often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between temperamental and capricious?
Both temperamental and capricious are considered formal words, but temperamental is more commonly used in everyday language and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Capricious is more specific and often used in more formal or literary contexts.
