• Capricious

    Origin

    From French capricieux, from Italian capriccioso.

    Full definition of capricious

    Adjective

    capricious

    1. Impulsive and unpredictable; determined by chance, impulse, or whimI almost died in a capricious winter storm.Stringent rulers are unlikely to act capriciously.The Mayor claimed that the action was reasonable, but in reality the action was arbitrary and capricious in nature.
      • 1877, Henry James, S:The American/Chapter I, "Capricious?" And at this monsieur began to laugh. "Oh no, I'm not capricious. I am very faithful. I am very constant. Comprenez?"

    Usage notes

    Capricious can describe both a person and the decisions they make.

    Derived terms

    Related terms

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