caprice

American  

[kuh-prees] / kəˈpris /

noun

1. a sudden, unpredictable change, as of one's mind or the weather.

   Synonyms:

   fancy, whim, notion, vagary

2. a tendency to change one's mind without apparent or adequate motive; whimsicality; capriciousness.

   With the caprice of a despotic king, he alternated between kindness and cruelty.

3. Music. capriccio.

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caprice British  

/ kəˈpriːs /

noun

1. a sudden or unpredictable change of attitude, behaviour, etc; whim

2. a tendency to such changes

3. another word for capriccio

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Etymology

Origin of caprice

First recorded in 1660–70; from French, from Italian; see capriccio

Explanation

On a whim, he sold everything and left the city for the beautiful wilderness of Alaska, but his act of caprice felt a lot less whimsical when he realized how freezing cold Alaska is. The word caprice has its roots in the French for "whim," which comes from the Italian word capriccio for "fright" or "sudden start." A caprice can be just a fun impulsive act, but it also can be something done on a quick whim, without thinking it through or preparing for the change in direction. Having a sudden liking, or caprice, for someone or something can be short-lived too.

Example Sentences

Other new names announced Thursday are defensive intern Rob Caprice, assistant offensive line coach Brendan Nugent and offensive assistant/quality control-offensive line coach Quinshon Odom.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2024

The year I was 15, I liked nothing better than driving my 1979 Caprice Classic out into the Mississippi Delta.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2023

He drove in that morning from Delano to check on parts for his 1975 Chevrolet Caprice convertible.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2023

Mr. Caring would not comment for this article, nor would the publicity department of his company, Caprice Holdings, explain why he would not comment.

From New York Times • Dec. 31, 2022

I was actually bom in a 1989 Chevrolet Caprice on U.S.

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen