caprice
What does "caprice" mean?
A caprice is a sudden, impulsive, and seemingly unmotivated change of mind or behavior. The mental image is of someone or something—like the wind or a fickle person—shifting direction abruptly without a clear, logical reason, driven only by a momentary whim. While often used to describe human behavior, it can also describe natural phenomena that are unpredictable. It carries a slightly formal or sophisticated tone, often implying that the person acting on a caprice is being whimsical or perhaps a bit irresponsible. It is frequently used in the phrase "at the caprice of."
"caprice" in conversation
Planning a trip
Are we really going to drive to the coast right now?
Are we really going to drive to the coast right now?
It’s just a sudden caprice, let’s go!
It’s just a sudden caprice, let’s go!
Used to justify an impulsive, spur-of-the-moment decision.
Workplace frustration
The client wants the logo changed again.
The client wants the logo changed again.
I’m tired of working at the caprice of someone who doesn't know what they want.
I’m tired of working at the caprice of someone who doesn't know what they want.
Shows the frustration of being at the mercy of someone else's unpredictable whims.
"caprice" in a sentence
She bought the expensive hat on a sudden caprice.
She bought the expensive hat on a sudden caprice.
The islanders lived at the caprice of the unpredictable ocean currents.
The islanders lived at the caprice of the unpredictable ocean currents.
His leadership was characterized by brilliant insights alternating with moments of pure, dangerous caprice.
His leadership was characterized by brilliant insights alternating with moments of pure, dangerous caprice.
