What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vagary
Example
The stock market is known for its vagaries, making it difficult to predict.
Example
Her vagaries made it hard for her friends to understand her mood swings. [vagaries: plural noun]
Example
He had a vagary to quit his job and travel the world. [vagary: singular noun]
notion
Example
I have a notion that he might be lying. [notion: singular noun]
Example
She has some notions about how to improve the company's productivity. [notions: plural noun]
Example
I'm toying with the notion of going back to school. [notion: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Notion is more commonly used than vagary in everyday language. Notion is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while vagary is less common and more formal.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between vagary and notion?
Vagary is typically associated with a formal tone, while notion can be used in both formal and informal contexts.