Capricious refers to behavior or decisions that are unpredictable, impulsive, or subject to sudden changes in mood or opinion, often without logical reasoning or consistency. A capricious action or decision is typically driven by whims, desires, or spontaneous impulses, rather than careful thought or planning.

Here are a few contexts where “capricious” is commonly used:

1. Personal Behavior: When describing a person as capricious, it implies that they are prone to sudden, unpredictable changes in mood or behavior. For example, someone who frequently changes their mind or acts on a whim might be called capricious.
2. Legal Context: In law, capricious actions or decisions refer to those made arbitrarily, without proper consideration of evidence or rules. Courts may describe a ruling as “arbitrary and capricious” if it lacks a rational basis.
3. Nature and Events: Capricious can also describe unpredictable and sudden changes in natural phenomena, like the weather. A “capricious wind” might change direction unexpectedly.

In essence, being capricious suggests a lack of stability or consistency, with decisions and actions driven more by fleeting thoughts or moods than by careful consideration.