Word of the day · 30 August 2026
capricious
/kəˈprɪʃəs/
adjective
Given to sudden, unpredictable changes of mood or mind.
In a sentence
- The capricious wind ruined every outdoor shoot that week.
- Investors hate capricious policy changes mid-quarter.
- His capricious tastes made gift shopping a yearly ordeal.
In an image
Origin
From French capricieux, from caprice, ultimately linked to Italian capriccio (a sudden whim).
History
Caprice and capricious arrived in English via French in the 1600s. Early senses covered whimsical fancy as well as unstable temper. Writers applied the word to rulers, lovers and nature when plans could flip overnight. It remains a sharp label for inconsistency that frustrates people who need steadiness.
Nearby words
fickle · whimsical · erratic
For weather, bosses and luck that will not sit still.