vagary

[vuh-gair-ee, vey-guh-ree]

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noun, plural va·gar·ies.

an unpredictable or erratic action, occurrence, course, or instance: the vagaries of weather; the vagaries of the economic scene.

a whimsical, wild, or unusual idea, desire, or action.

Nearby words

Origin of vagary

1565–75, in sense “wandering journey”; apparently < Latin vagārī to wander

SYNONYMS FOR vagary

2. caprice, whim, quirk, crotchet.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR vagary ON THESAURUS.COM

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for vagaries

What the record really shows is just how much the fate of the Presidency is governed by the vagaries of chance.
Political Mythbusting: Third Term’s the Charm|Jeff Greenfield|August 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After all, radically purist ideologies need to be sheltered from the vagaries of the world, and they can be expensive to maintain.
Will Saudi Arabia Execute Guest Workers for 'Witchcraft'?|Michael Schulson|March 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
These were not dependent on the vagaries of the wind and steamed wherever their skippers divined that fish might be.
The Harbor of Doubt|Frank Williams
Even to those who have not faith, the victories of God's truth over the vagaries of men is an earnest of future triumph.
Gospel Philosophy|J. H. Ward

As to Rollitt, his vagaries were consistent with any explanation.
The Cock-House at Fellsgarth|Talbot Baines Reed
To the Japanese the pursuit of game seemed to be as strange a form of sport as the other vagaries of the foreigner.
The Englishman in China During the Victorian Era, Vol. II (of 2)|Alexander Michie
Anyhow, I'll be it, before I'll take the responsibility of that Brenton woman's vagaries.
The Brentons|Anna Chapin Ray

British Dictionary definitions for vagaries

vagary

noun plural -garies

an erratic or outlandish notion or action; whim

Word Origin for vagary

C16: probably from Latin vagārī to roam; compare Latin vagus vague

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for vagaries

vagary

1570s, "a wandering, a roaming journey," probably from Latin vagari "to wander, roam, be unsettled, spread abroad," from vagus "roving, wandering" (see vague). Current meaning of "eccentric notion or conduct" (1620s) is from notion of mental wandering. Related: Vagaries.

vagary

noun, plural va·gar·ies.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of vagary

Examples from the Web for vagaries

vagary

noun plural -garies

Word Origin for vagary

vagary