Gloss · Words · Capricious vs mercurial
Capricious vs mercurial
Capricious changes without reason. Mercurial changes fast, mood first.
The difference
Capricious is about whim. A capricious boss changes the rules because they feel like it, and the word carries a mild complaint: there is no pattern to follow. It can describe weather, a market, a cat. Mercurial is about temperament and speed, named for Mercury, the quick god, and the metal that runs like water. A mercurial person is bright and lively and then suddenly dark, and the changes are in mood more than in decision. It is more interesting than capricious and a little more forgiving.
Capricious
Changing suddenly and for no clear reason.
The capricious weather ruined the picnic.
Capricious, explained six ways
Mercurial
Changing mood quickly and unpredictably.
The director was brilliant but mercurial.
Which one to use
Capricious when the changes seem arbitrary. Mercurial when they are quick and emotional, and you can almost admire it.
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