capricious Definition
- 1given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
- 2changing according to no discernible rules; unpredictable
Using capricious: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "capricious" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The boss was capricious, making it hard for the employees to know what to expect.
Example
The weather in this region is notoriously capricious.
Example
Her capricious nature made it difficult for her to maintain long-term relationships.
capricious Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for capricious
Antonyms for capricious
- steady
- predictable
- constant
Idioms Using capricious
a capricious mistress
something that is difficult to control or predict
Example
The stock market is a capricious mistress, with fortunes made and lost in a single day.
a capricious hand of fate
an unpredictable and uncontrollable force that determines events
Example
The capricious hand of fate dealt him a bad hand, and he struggled to overcome it.
an unexpected and unpredictable turn of events
Example
The story had a happy ending, thanks to a capricious twist of fate.
Phrases with capricious
a sudden and unpredictable gust of wind
Example
The capricious breeze knocked over the lawn chairs.
an unpredictable and uncontrollable force that determines events
Example
Despite his best efforts, he could not escape the capricious fate that awaited him.
a sudden and unpredictable change in mood or temperament
Example
Her capricious humor made it difficult for others to know how to interact with her.
Origins of capricious
from French 'capricieux', from Italian 'capriccioso', from 'capriccio' meaning 'whim'
Summary: capricious in Brief
The term 'capricious' [kəˈprɪʃəs] describes someone or something that is prone to sudden and unaccountable changes in mood or behavior. It can also refer to things that are unpredictable or changing without discernible rules. Examples include 'The boss was capricious,' 'The weather in this region is notoriously capricious,' and 'Her capricious nature made it difficult for her to maintain long-term relationships.' Phrases like 'capricious breeze' and idioms like 'a capricious mistress' further illustrate the concept of unpredictability.
