fickle
UK: ˈfɪk(ə)l | US: ˈfɪk(ə)l
adj. likely to change frequently, especially in loyalty, interest, or affection; capricious
adj. erratic or unpredictable in behavior
fickle = fick<deceptive> + le<adjective suffix>
- fick (from Old English ficol, meaning "deceptive" or "fraudulent")
- le (a common adjective-forming suffix in English, indicating a tendency or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word "fickle" traces back to Old English ficol, which originally meant "deceptive" or "fraudulent." Over time, its meaning shifted to describe someone who is unreliable or prone to sudden changes, reflecting the idea of deception through inconsistency. The suffix "-le" reinforces the adjectival form, emphasizing the trait of unpredictability. The word’s evolution mirrors the human tendency to associate capriciousness with untrustworthiness.
The weather here is fickle, shifting from sunshine to rain in minutes.
She grew tired of his fickle nature, never knowing where she stood with him.
The stock market is notoriously fickle, making long-term predictions difficult.
His fickle tastes in music meant his playlist changed every week.
Politicians are often criticized for being fickle in their promises.