noun
caprice
kuh-PREES
Caprice (noun) means a sudden, impulsive change of mind or behavior with no clear reason. Example: “On a caprice, she booked a flight to Lisbon that same afternoon.”
noun
1
A sudden, impulsive change of mind or behavior with no clear reason.
"On a caprice, she booked a flight to Lisbon that same afternoon."
"The king's decisions often seemed driven by caprice rather than policy."
How to use caprice
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sudden, whimsical impulse or change with no real reason behind it.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
on a caprice
subject to caprice
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Word forms
- Plural
- caprices
Fill the gap
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On a _____, she booked a flight to Lisbon that same afternoon.
Etymology
From French caprice, from Italian capriccio, originally meaning "a sudden fright" — literally a "hedgehog head" (hair standing on end), from caput ("head") and riccio ("hedgehog").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for caprice
See all rhymes for caprice →Frequently asked questions
What does “caprice” mean?
The word “caprice” means a sudden, impulsive change of mind or behavior with no clear reason. In plain terms, a sudden, whimsical impulse or change with no real reason behind it.
How do you pronounce “caprice”?
“Caprice” is pronounced kuh-PREES (/kəˈpɹiːs/ in IPA).
How do you use “caprice” in a sentence?
Here is “caprice” used in a sentence: “On a caprice, she booked a flight to Lisbon that same afternoon.”
What part of speech is “caprice”?
“Caprice” is a noun.
Where does the word “caprice” come from?
The word “caprice” comes from French. From French caprice, from Italian capriccio, originally meaning "a sudden fright" — literally a "hedgehog head" (hair standing on end), from caput ("head") and riccio ("hedgehog").
