VocabDictionary

capriciousness

/kəˈprɪʃ.əs.nəs/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The quality of being governed by sudden, impulsive, or unpredictable changes in mood, behavior, or opinion.

Example Sentences:
  • The capriciousness of the weather made it impossible to plan the outdoor wedding with any certainty.
  • Investors were wary of the CEO's capriciousness, as his sudden shifts in strategy often left the company in disarray.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “capriciousness” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “capriciousness”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Italian 'capriccio' (sudden start, whim), which likely stems from 'capra' (goat). The association suggests the erratic, unpredictable leaping or 'capering' movements of a goat, reflecting the sudden shifts in mood or behavior characteristic of the word.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'capra' (goat) jumping around unpredictably; someone with capriciousness acts just as jumpy and erratic as a goat.

Frequently Asked Questions About “capriciousness

1. What is the meaning of “capriciousness” in English?

In English, capriciousness (noun) is defined as: “The quality of being governed by sudden, impulsive, or unpredictable changes in mood, behavior, or opinion.”.

2. How do you use “capriciousness” in a sentence?

The capriciousness of the weather made it impossible to plan the outdoor wedding with any certainty.

3. What are English synonyms of “capriciousness”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “capriciousness”?

Derived from the Italian 'capriccio' (sudden start, whim), which likely stems from 'capra' (goat). The association suggests the erratic, unpredictable leaping or 'capering' movements of a goat, reflecting the sudden shifts in mood or behavior characteristic of the word.