crossword clue capricious – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all the possible solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "capricious", organized by letter count for your convenience. Get the quick help you need to complete your puzzle!
Solutions for "crossword clue capricious" by Letter Count
6 Letters
FICKLE: Prone to changing one's mind or loyalty frequently and without reason. Often used to describe a person's affections or fortune.
7 Letters
ERRATIC: Not regular or consistent in movement, behaviour, or quality; unpredictable. Can describe a pattern or a person's behavior.
8 Letters
VOLATILE: Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse; easily aroused to extreme emotion. Frequently describes markets, chemicals, or moods.
9 Letters
WHIMSICAL: Acting or behaving in a capricious manner; subject to sudden, unpredictable changes. Often implies a playful or fanciful unpredictability.
10 Letters
CHANGEABLE: Able to change or be changed; tending to vary. A more general term for something prone to alteration.
More About "crossword clue capricious"
The word "capricious" describes something or someone subject to sudden, unpredictable changes of mood or behavior. It originates from the Italian "capriccio," meaning a sudden start or whim. In crosswords, clues for "capricious" often point to words that convey instability, fickleness, or unpredictability, whether in nature, human emotion, or abstract concepts like fortune.
Understanding the nuances of "capricious" is crucial for crossword success. While it primarily means impulsive or unpredictable, it can carry connotations ranging from lighthearted whimsy to problematic inconsistency. Synonyms like 'fickle', 'erratic', 'volatile', and 'whimsical' each offer a slightly different shade of meaning, making context a key factor in selecting the correct answer.
Crossword setters love words like "capricious" because they have a rich vocabulary of synonyms that vary in length and precise meaning, allowing for versatile clueing. By familiarizing yourself with these related terms and their specific contexts, you'll be better equipped to tackle similar clues in future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: When you see a clue like "capricious," consider if it describes a person, an object, a situation (like weather or markets), or an abstract concept. The context can often help you pick the most fitting synonym.
- Prioritize Letter Count: Always check the number of letters indicated for the answer first. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities and focus on words that fit the grid.
- Brainstorm Synonyms & Antonyms: For words describing qualities or states, brainstorm as many synonyms and even antonyms as you can. Sometimes thinking of the opposite helps trigger the correct answer that fits the letter count.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you're stuck on "capricious" or any other clue, solve the intersecting words first. The letters that appear in the crossing squares will often reveal the correct unique solution.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between "capricious" and "erratic"?
While similar, "capricious" often implies a sudden, impulsive change, especially in mood or behavior, driven by whim or fancy. "Erratic" describes something that is simply inconsistent, lacking regularity or predictability, which might not always be tied to a specific whim but rather a general lack of pattern.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for words meaning 'changeable'?
Yes, words related to changeability often include roots like 'vari-' (as in variable) or 'mut-' (as in mutable). Prefixes such as 'in-' (as in inconstant, meaning not constant) or suffixes like '-able' (as in changeable, indicating capability of being changed) are also common indicators.
How do I handle crossword clues that seem to have multiple valid answers for a given length?
This is a common scenario in crosswords! The best approach is to use intersecting words as your guide. Fill in the answers to clues you are more confident about, and then use the letters that appear in the crossing squares to narrow down the possibilities for the ambiguous clue. Often, only one of your brainstormed answers will fit the emerging pattern. If completely stuck, consider the overall theme of the puzzle or the crossword setter's known style.