whimsey

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun an odd or fanciful or capricious idea
noun the trait of acting unpredictably and more from whim or caprice than from reason or judgment

‘Twas a sudden whimsey, mixed with a little curiosity, that made me do a thing so contrary to my nature; for I am an enemy to all subtle and counterfeit actions, and abominate all manner of trickery, though it be for sport, and to an advantage; for though the action may not be vicious in itself, its mode is vicious. — Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Complete, Michel de Montaigne
As for my being a minister, let that be as it is: I am as Cot was pleased to create me, which, peradventure, is more than I shall ever aver of him who gave me that title; for I will proclaim it before the world, that he is disguised, and transfigured, and transmogrified, with affectation and whimseys; and that he is more like a papoon than of the human race.” — The Adventures of Roderick Random, T. (Tobias) Smollett

notion, whim, whimsy

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