caprice
UK[kəˈpriːs]US[kəˈpriːs]
n
a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior
n
a tendency to change one's mind suddenly or behave unpredictably
Morpheme Breakdown
capr
ice
capr
goat
ice
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'caprice' originates from the italian 'capriccio', which initially referred to a sudden shudder of fear. this italian term is thought to be a compound of 'capo' (head) and 'riccio' (hedgehog), describing the sensation of one's hair standing on end. however, a more influential folk etymology linked it to the frisky, unpredictable leaps of a goat, from the latin root 'capr'. this association with the erratic and impulsive nature of a goat solidified the meaning. over time, the word entered english via french, shedding its literal animal connection to denote any sudden, whimsical change in thought or behavior.
Analysis
Structure: capr (goat) + ice (noun suffix)
capr is from latin 'caper, capri' meaning 'goat'. ice is a noun-forming suffix from latin '-itia' or '-itium', indicating a state or condition.
Examples
her decision to move abroad was a mere caprice, and she returned home within a month.
the director's latest film is a charming caprice, quite different from his usual serious dramas.
he was known for his caprices, often abandoning projects on a whim.