words numbered unencumbered words (3)

One entry found for caprice.

Pronunciation: k&-'prEs
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Italian capriccio caprice, shudder, perhaps from capo head (from Latin caput) + riccio hedgehog, from Latin ericius -- more at HEAD, URCHIN
1 a : a sudden, impulsive, and seemingly unmotivated notion or action b : a sudden usually unpredictable condition, change, or series of changes <the caprices of the weather>
2 : a disposition to do things impulsively
3 : CAPRICCIO 3
synonyms CAPRICE, WHIM, VAGARY, CROTCHET mean an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire. CAPRICE stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness <by sheer caprice she quit her job>. WHIM implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination <an odd antique that was bought on a whim>. VAGARY stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire <recently he had been prone to strange vagaries>. CROTCHET implies an eccentric opinion or preference <a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets>.