How Do You Spell CAPRICIOUS?

Pronunciation: [kapɹˈɪʃəs] (IPA)

Capricious is a tricky word to spell, partly due to its unusual phonetic makeup. The IPA transcription for capricious is /kəˈprɪʃəs/, featuring the schwa sound in the first syllable, the hard "c" sound, and the "sh" sound in the second syllable. The "iou" in the third syllable consists of a diphthong, while the fourth syllable has a short "i" sound and the "-ous" suffix. Remembering the stress on the second syllable and the order of the letters can assist with correct spelling.

CAPRICIOUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Capricious is an adjective that describes a person, thing, or behavior that is characterized by unpredictability or a tendency to change suddenly and without apparent reason. It refers to someone or something that is impulsive, fickle, and liable to make decisions or act in a whimsical or erratic manner, often with little consideration for consequences.

    A capricious person may exhibit a constantly changing mindset, altering their opinions or preferences abruptly and without warning. They may also display inconsistent behavior, with their mood, attitudes, or desires shifting unexpectedly. This variability can make it difficult to anticipate or understand their motivations, as they may act in a manner that defies logic or common sense.

    Similarly, a capricious thing or event may occur without a discernible pattern or reason. For instance, weather conditions might fluctuate capriciously, causing sudden shifts in temperature or unexpected storms. In this context, capriciousness suggests a lack of stability or regularity, implying that outcomes or circumstances can change at any given moment.

    In summary, capriciousness refers to the trait or quality of being unpredictable, impulsive, or subject to sudden changes. It encompasses the notions of whimsical and irrational behavior, where decisions or actions are made haphazardly, and there is little consistency or predictability.

  2. Given to change; whimsical; fickle; apt to change opinions or intentions suddenly.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CAPRICIOUS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CAPRICIOUS

Etymology of CAPRICIOUS

The word capricious comes from the Latin term capriciosus, which was derived from capra, meaning goat. In Latin, capriciosus had several meanings, including fickle, changeable, and impulsive. The connection with goats comes from the belief that they are unpredictable and have a tendency to jump and change direction whimsically. Over time, this idea of unpredictability and impulsiveness became associated with the term capricious.

Similar spelling words for CAPRICIOUS

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