capricious
/kəˈprɪʃəs/
adjective
Origin
Italian
capriccio — a sudden start or whim
Overview
Meaning Now
- Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
- Changing quickly and unpredictably, often referring to weather or conditions.
Literal older meaning
resembling a goat; goat-like
Language path
Latin → Italian → English
Earliest form
capricious
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The word links human behavior to the abrupt and nimble movements of a goat. In Renaissance Italian, 'capriccio' was used to describe a sudden, impulsive, or 'goat-like' leap in thought or action, later influencing artistic and musical terminology.
Evolution
- Latin
capra
“goat”
The root of the concept; implies the sudden, jerky movements of a goat.
- Italian
capriccio
“shudder, whim, or sudden change of mind”
Metaphorical extension from animal behavior to human psychology.
- French
capricieux
“whimsical”
Borrowed into French before entering English.
- English
capricious
“unpredictable, fickle”
Established in English in the early 1600s.
Connections
Word parts
capri-
root
goat
-ious
suffix
full of, having the quality of
Related across languages
French
capricieux
capricious
Italian
capriccio
whim
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.