caprice

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "caprice" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a sudden, unpredictable change in mood or behavior. An example: "Her decision to move abroad was a caprice that surprised everyone." Alternative expressions include "whim" and "fancy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Its more impressive beneficiaries – currently the Poet Laureate, Dame Carol Ann Duffy, and Dame Marina Warner – return the compliment, by lending reputational lustre to official partiality and caprice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is there something about the game, the combination of luck, bloody-mindedness, unpredictability and caprice that can drive a person over the edge?

The Guardian - Sport

Now Irvine Welsh is back with his 13th novel, The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins, his first set entirely in his adopted home of America and which according to the Observer pokes "at the caprice of modern media culture".

The Guardian - Books

To be irrational with your own money may be to be foolhardy, to give in to guilty pleasure, or to wallow in caprice.

The Economist

The Olympics are widely seen as an extravagant caprice of Russia's rulers, especially its flamboyantly macho president, rather than a common national effort.

The Economist

Victims and their relatives complain that blind justice has been supplanted by caprice.

The Economist

No wonder that readers of Turkish newspapers, far from writing in to condemn the president's caprice, have inundated the letters-pages with statements of warm support.Indeed, the Turkish press reveals a surprising sang froid in the face of Turkey's current straits.

The Economist

It is time The Economist caught up.Yury Fedotov Ambassador Embassy of the Russian Federation LondonSIR – You attributed Russia's dismal investment climate to legal caprice and unpredictable courts ("Courting disaster", July 4th).

The Economist

She is said to have been treated at a rudimentary health centre in El Capricho ("The Caprice").

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Other than conflicting reports of a white van, a white box truck, and a dark Chevrolet Caprice near the scenes of the incidents, police had no clear leads.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A warrant was issued for Muhammad on a federal firearms violation, and the police identified the make, model, and license plate number of the Chevrolet Caprice he was driving.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "caprice" to describe unexpected changes or impulsive behaviors, particularly when emphasizing the lack of rationale behind them. For instance, describe artistic choices or sudden policy changes as driven by "caprice".

Common error

Avoid using "caprice" when there's a clear underlying reason for an action. "Caprice" implies a lack of deliberate planning or rational motivation; using it inappropriately can misrepresent the situation. If there is a clear rationale, consider phrases like "strategic shift" or "calculated move".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "caprice" is as a noun. It typically functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting an impulsive and seemingly unmotivated notion or action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples demonstrating how "caprice" adds a layer of unpredictability to actions and decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

The Guardian - Travel

2%

Independent

15%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "caprice" functions as a noun describing impulsive, seemingly unmotivated actions or changes. Ludwig AI highlights its neutral tone, widespread usage in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific sources, and its association with unpredictability. When writing, remember that "caprice" emphasizes a lack of rational thought behind actions. For alternatives, consider "whim" or "impulse". Ensure you're using it to accurately portray actions driven by sudden urges rather than deliberate planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whim

A sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained.

impulse

A sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act.

sudden notion

A thought or idea that occurs unexpectedly.

fleeting desire

A desire that lasts only for a short time.

unpredictable change

A change that is impossible to foresee.

erratic behavior

Behavior that is irregular and unpredictable.

arbitrary decision

A decision based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.

impulsive action

An action taken without forethought.

unreasonable decision

A determination that lacks logic or justification.

sudden shift

An abrupt change in direction, policy, or attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "caprice" in a sentence?

You can use "caprice" to describe a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior. For example, "The decision seemed to be driven by pure "caprice"".

What words are similar to "caprice"?

Similar words include "whim", "impulse", and "fancy". They all suggest a sudden and often irrational desire or change of mind.

Is "caprice" a positive or negative term?

"Caprice" is generally neutral to negative, suggesting a lack of seriousness or considered thought. Its connotation depends on the context; it can imply harmless impulsiveness or damaging arbitrariness.

What's the difference between "caprice" and "whimsy"?

"Caprice" often implies a sudden and potentially disruptive change, while "whimsy" suggests a playful or fanciful quality. "Caprice" can be more impulsive and less deliberate than whimsy.