capricious temperament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capricious temperament" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose mood or behavior is unpredictable and subject to sudden changes. Example: "Her capricious temperament made it difficult for her friends to know how she would react in any given situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Notwithstanding his capricious temperament, this is essentially a team man.

Independent

Thus we see that the science fiction novel is hardly a judicious study of discernable reality, but rather the realities discernable through a capricious temperament.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Both favor artistic and even capricious temperaments.

The New York Times - Magazine

The mushroom's temperament in a word: capricious.

The New York Times

A ROYAL SCANDAL Ernst Lubitsch supervised but was not well enough to direct this 1945 remake of his 1924 silent film "Forbidden Paradise," leaving the actual filming to Otto Preminger — who, perhaps not coincidentally, possessed more than enough temperament to stand up to the film's capricious star, Tallulah Bankhead.

The New York Times

Some temperament.

The New York Times - Sports

"Excellent temperament".

The New York Times

Are psychiatric diagnoses capricious?

The New York Times

His temperament.

The New Yorker

Connie was capricious.

The New Yorker

Love is similarly capricious.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capricious temperament", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Capricious" implies sudden and unpredictable changes, often driven by whim, so ensure this aligns with the context.

Common error

While "capricious" is a valid word, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing. Sometimes, a more neutral term like "unpredictable" or "variable" might be more appropriate to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capricious temperament" functions as an adjective-noun combination, modifying the noun "temperament" with the adjective "capricious". As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a disposition prone to sudden and unpredictable changes. It is used to characterize someone's mood or behavior.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capricious temperament" describes a disposition characterized by sudden and unpredictable changes. As Ludwig AI verifies, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, even though it's not very common. The examples, mostly from news and media sources, demonstrate its use in characterizing individuals or abstract concepts. While the word "capricious" might lean towards formality, the phrase is generally considered neutral. When using it, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, as "capricious" suggests changes driven by whim. Alternatives like "unpredictable nature" or "fickle mood" can also be used, depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpredictable disposition

This alternative focuses on the unpredictable nature of the person's general attitude and behavior.

fickle nature

This alternative highlights the tendency to change loyalties or affections without apparent reason.

volatile personality

This alternative emphasizes the potential for sudden and dramatic changes in behavior or mood.

erratic character

This alternative points to inconsistencies and unpredictability in someone's behavior patterns.

whimsical disposition

This alternative focuses on the playful and fanciful nature of the person's mood.

mutable temperament

This alternative underscores the capacity for change in one's inherent nature.

unstable demeanor

This alternative suggests a lack of steadiness or reliability in someone's outward behavior.

changeable mood

This alternative is a more direct and less formal way to describe someone's fluctuating emotions.

flighty disposition

This alternative conveys the idea of someone who is irresponsible and lacks seriousness

variable nature

This alternative highlights the changing, inconstant aspect of someone's character.

FAQs

How can I describe a "capricious temperament" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases like "unpredictable nature", "fickle mood", or "changeable disposition" as alternatives to "capricious temperament".

Is it always negative to have a "capricious temperament"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply instability, a "capricious temperament" can also suggest creativity and a free spirit, depending on the context. However, be mindful of the implications in formal settings.

What's the difference between a "capricious temperament" and a "volatile personality"?

While both suggest unpredictability, a "capricious temperament" implies more of a whimsical or impulsive nature, whereas a "volatile personality" suggests a greater potential for strong emotional outbursts and instability.

How does "capricious" relate to other words like "arbitrary" or "erratic"?

"Capricious" emphasizes the impulsive and whimsical nature of a decision or behavior. "Arbitrary" implies a lack of reason or system, while "erratic" suggests inconsistency and unpredictability. A "capricious temperament" might lead to arbitrary or erratic actions.