vagary Hear it!

vagary Definition

va·gary (gə rē; və gerē, -gar-)

noun pl. -·gar·ies

  1. an odd, eccentric, or unexpected action or bit of conduct
  2. an odd, whimsical, or freakish idea or notion; oddity; caprice

Etymology: earlier used as a v., to wander < L vagari, to wander < vagus: see vague

vagary Synonyms

vagary

n.

notion, caprice, whimsy, fad; see caprice, impulse 2. See syn. study at caprice.

vagary Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • weather: The vagaries of the English weather have never prevented a Bowl concert from going ahead!
  • fashion: Perhaps the eclipse of the phytoalexins has been caused, at least in part, by the vagaries of fashion in research in Britain.
  • climate: Our patio heaters are very popular because they offer a simple and affordable garden heating solution to the vagaries of the British climate.
  • market: Chinese media now have to weather the vagaries of the market on their own.
  • wind: It was no longer dependent on the vagaries of the wind, or, in more ancient times, the strength of the oarsmen.
  • memory: Clement usually quoted from memory; now in regard to the vagaries of the human memory an appeal to personal experience is valid.

Converse of object

  • understand: Philander has been a major voice in helping us to understand the vagaries weather investigators must endure.
  • give: That is easier said than done, given the vagaries of finding cash or other resources to support research.
  • avoid: Even if, for example, you wear what you wear and try to avoid the vagaries of fashion.
  • ignore: But don't forget that we can easily ignore the vagaries of environmental constraints on behavior.
  • escape: Rate lock is an important method by which borrowers can escape the vagaries of the interest rate.
  • withstand: The Blair Government has been much more successful in developing an economy which has grown and withstood the vagaries of the world markets.

Adjective modifier

  • infinite: Human communication is a gestalt, made up of gesture, tone and the infinite vagaries of the living face.
  • other: Experienced users are accustomed to this and other vagaries of the Net.
  • such: If she's up to such vagaries she must suffer for ' em.
  • own: The mind has its own vagaries, its ups and downs.
  • climatic: The Porton ECN site is very exposed and experiences a wide range of climatic vagaries from severe winter frosts to searing summer heat.
  • mere: They are the mere vagaries of a dreaming mind, to which the word of God is not even a ' limit.

Browse dictionary entries near vagary

  1. vagarious
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  3. vagabondage
  4. vagabond
  5. vag-
  6. Vaduz
  7. vadose
  8. Vadodara
  9. vade mecum
  10. vacuum valve
  1. vagina
  2. vaginal
  3. vaginate
  4. vaginismus
  5. vaginitis
  6. vagino-
  7. vago-
  8. vagodepressor
  9. vagotomy
  10. vagotonia