capricious Definition
ca·pri·cious (kə pris̸h′əs, -prē′s̸həs)
adjective
- subject to caprices; tending to change abruptly and without apparent reason; erratic; flighty
- Obsolete showing wit or fancifulness
Etymology: Fr capricieux < It capriccioso: see caprice
capricious Related Forms
ca·pri′·ciously adverb
ca·pri′·cious·ness noun
capricious Synonyms
capricious
modif.
capricious Law Definition
adj
- Characterized by or resulting from caprice, inconsistency in feeling or purpose, a whim, or an unpredictable or impulsive behavior. See also arbitrary.
- Contrary to the evidence or law.
capricious Usage Examples
Modifies a noun
- nature: He had been staring into the flames for sometime, pondering anew on the capricious nature of Fate.
- weather: Capricious weather often undoes the farmer's work, and disappointing harvests are frequent.
- decision: Accordingly, its arbitrary and capricious decisions violate both the APA and the Due Process Clause of the Constitution.
- woman: And still she is this small, feisty, sometimes capricious woman.
- world: This song yearned for stability in a capricious world.
- spirit: Sumatra is a coffee with a grounded, earthy aroma â but a capricious spirit.
Modifying Another Word
- not: These are not capricious independent powers, who can be hi-jacked by particular groups in society.
- so: This is because it is so capricious in its approach.
- very: The preparation of the reducing agent proved to be very capricious.
- n't: There is mystery in the universe, beguiling mystery, but it is n't capricious.
- rather: Applying for a mortgage seems a rather capricious business really.
Used with adjective complement
drop: Beneath a tree's green parasol, I found a sheltered place Where wet leaves dropped capricious kisses on my upturned face.
Browse dictionary entries near capricious
- ‹ caprice
- ‹ capriccio
- ‹ capric acid
- ‹ capri pants
- ‹ Capri
- ‹ capreolate
- ‹ Capra, Frank
- ‹ Capra
- ‹ cappuccino
- ‹ capper
- Capricorn ›
- Capricornus ›
- caprification ›
- caprifig ›
- capriole ›
- Caprivi Strip ›
- caproic acid ›
- caprolactam ›
- caprylic acid ›
- caps ›

