Word of the Day - 05/21/26
caprice
/kɑ'pris/(n.): a sudden desire
Her caprice led her to buy an expensive hat on a whim, despite not needing one.
(n.): a sudden usually unpredictable condition, change, or series of changes
The hikers had to abandon their route when the mountain weather shifted with sudden caprice, turning a clear morning into a storm within minutes.
(n.): a tendency to change one's mind without apparent or adequate motive; whimsicality; capriciousness
The committee grew frustrated with her caprice, as she frequently revised her decisions without apparent or adequate motive, leaving the project direction unstable.
Word Origin
The word 'caprice' originates from the French 'caprice' (17th century), which in turn comes from the Italian 'capriccio' (16th century). The Italian 'capriccio' meant 'a sudden start' or 'whim'. Its etymology is most commonly linked to the Italian word 'capra' meaning 'goat', drawing a metaphorical connection to the sudden, unpredictable leaps and movements of a goat. An alternative theory connects it to 'capo' (head) and 'riccio' (hedgehog, or curled/bristled), suggesting the image of hair standing on end from fright or excitement, leading to impulsive behavior. However, the association with the unpredictable nature of a goat is widely accepted.
Several words share a similar root related to 'goat' or 'leaping', reflecting a similar origin: 'Capriole' (a leap or jump, especially of a horse) comes from Italian 'capriola', a diminutive of 'capra' (goat), or from 'capriolo' (young goat, kid). The verb 'caper' (to skip or dance in a lively or playful way) is also related to the Italian 'capriola', reinforcing the connection to goat-like leaps and playful movements. 'Capricorn', the astrological sign, comes from Latin 'capricornus' meaning 'goat-horned', from 'caper' (goat) and 'cornu' (horn), sharing the 'goat' root.