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mercurial

[mərˈkjʊriəl]

mercurial Definition

  • 1subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind
  • 2relating to the planet Mercury

Using mercurial: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mercurial" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    His mercurial temperament made it difficult to work with him.

  • Example

    The stock market can be mercurial and hard to predict.

  • Example

    She has a mercurial personality that keeps people on their toes.

mercurial Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for mercurial

Phrases with mercurial

  • mercurial rise/fall

    a sudden and significant increase or decrease in something, such as stock prices or popularity

    Example

    The band's mercurial rise to fame was unexpected.

  • the tendency to have sudden and unpredictable changes in mood or behavior

    Example

    Her mercurial nature made it hard for others to know how to interact with her.

  • the tendency to have sudden and unpredictable changes in mood or behavior

    Example

    His mercurial temperament made it hard for his coworkers to know how to approach him.

Origins of mercurial

from Latin 'mercurialis', meaning 'of or pertaining to the god Mercury'

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Summary: mercurial in Brief

The term 'mercurial' [mərˈkjʊriəl] refers to a person or thing that is subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind. It can also relate to the planet Mercury. Examples include 'His mercurial temperament made it difficult to work with him.' and 'The stock market can be mercurial and hard to predict.'

How do native speakers use this expression?