What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
whim
Example
On a whim, she decided to dye her hair pink. [whim: noun]
Example
He acted on a whim and bought a one-way ticket to Paris. [whim: noun]
whimsy
Example
The children's book was full of whimsy and colorful illustrations. [whimsy: noun]
Example
The artist's work was known for its whimsy and surrealism. [whimsy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whim is more commonly used than whimsy in everyday language. Whim is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while whimsy is less common and often used in artistic or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between whim and whimsy?
Both whim and whimsy are informal words that are appropriate for casual or creative writing. However, whimsy may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with art and literature.
