whimsical
adjective
Playfully quaint or fanciful; acting or behaving in a capricious manner; given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood.
Etymology
From whimsy + -ical. Whimsy may come from whim-wham, a fanciful object, possibly related to Old Norse hvima "to let the eyes wander."
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The garden had a whimsical quality with its twisted paths and hidden statues."
- 2.
"Her whimsical stories delighted children and adults alike."
- 3.
"The architect was known for whimsical designs that defied convention."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
April Fools' Day has a whimsical tradition dating back centuries. One theory suggests it began when France switched from Julian to Gregorian calendar in 1582, confusing those who celebrated New Year in late March.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (W, H, I, M, S, I, C, A, L)
Scrabble Value: 19 points
Tip: Words ending in "AL" are often good scoring opportunities.
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