Question

Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
Capricious
a) Fickle
b) Calm
c) Careful
d) Forgetful

Answer 1

Hint:The word ‘capricious’ refers to ‘given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior’. This word is usually used as an adjective and its noun form is ‘caprice’ which is used less often.

Complete answer:
In order to fully understand the meaning of the given
word, we have to use it in a sentence.
For example, in the sentence ‘I do not know how he will react, he is very capricious’, the word ‘capricious further illustrates the fact that the person is supposed to be unpredictable and so, one cannot understand how he will react. It refers to the person either being indecisive or the subject being extremely two-minded.

Now, we know the meaning and usage of the given word. Let’s look at the given options:

a) fickle - The word ‘fickle’ refers to ‘changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties, interests, or affection’. This word has the exact same meaning as the given word. This word can be used in place of ‘capricious’ in the above sentence. This is the synonym of the given word. It is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.
b) calm - The word ‘calm’ refers to ‘not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions'. This word has a completely different meaning to the given word. This word cannot be used in the same way as ‘capricious’. This is not the synonym of the given word. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c) careful - The word ‘careful’ refers to ‘making sure of avoiding potential danger, mishap, or harm; cautious'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This word cannot be used in the same way as ‘capricious’. This is not the synonym of the given word. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) forgetful - The word ‘forgetful’ refers to ‘apt or likely not to remember'. This word has a completely unrelated meaning to the given word. This word cannot be used in the same way as ‘capricious’. This is not the synonym of the given word. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note:
Try to understand the context of the given word, and look through the given options.
Differentiate between each of the options as they have a difference in meaning. Choose
the most appropriate option i.e. the option that is closest in meaning to the given word.