capricious
adjective
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior; unpredictable.
Etymology
From French capricieux, from Italian capriccioso, from capriccio "sudden start, whim," possibly from capo "head" + riccio "hedgehog" (suggesting hair standing on end).
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The capricious weather ruined our outdoor plans."
- 2.
"Her capricious nature made her difficult to work with."
- 3.
"Fortune is capricious, favoring different people at different times."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Capricorn the zodiac sign shares the Latin root capra (goat). The imagery of a goat's sudden movements may have influenced the word capricious, though the exact connection is debated.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 10 letters (C, A, P, R, I, C, I, O, U, S)
Scrabble Value: 16 points
Tip: The letter pattern in "CAPRICIOUS" appears in many related words.
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