What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Abrupt vs Capricious - What's the difference?

abrupt | capricious | Related terms |

As adjectives the difference between abrupt and capricious

is that abrupt is broken away (from restraint) while capricious is impulsive and unpredictable; determined by chance, impulse, or whim.

As a verb abrupt

is to tear off or asunder.

As a noun abrupt

is something which is abrupt; an abyss.

abrupt

English

Adjective

(en-adj)
  • (obsolete, rare) Broken away (from restraint).
  • Without notice to prepare the mind for the event; sudden; hasty; unceremonious.
  • The party came to an abrupt end when the parents of our host arrived.
  • * (rfdate) (William Shakespeare), Henry VI Part I, II-iii
  • The cause of your abrupt departure.
  • Curt in manner; brusque; rude; uncivil; impolite.
  • Having sudden transitions from one subject or state to another; unconnected; disjointed.
  • * (rfdate) (Ben Jonson)
  • The abrupt style, which hath many breaches.
  • (obsolete) Broken off.
  • Extremely steep or craggy as if broken up; precipitous.
  • * (rfdate) (Thomson)
  • Tumbling through ricks abrupt .
  • (botany) Suddenly terminating, as if cut off; truncate.
  • (Gray)

    Synonyms

    * (precipitous) broken, rough, rugged * (without time to prepare) brusque, sudden * (uncivil)blunt, brusque * (without transition) disconnected, unexpected

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (archaic) To tear off or asunder.
  • * (rfdate) Sir T. (Browne)
  • Till death abrupts them.
  • To interrupt suddenly.
  • Noun

    (en noun)
  • (poetic) Something which is ; an abyss.
  • * (rfdate) (Milton)
  • Over the vast abrupt .

    References

    ----

    capricious

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Impulsive and unpredictable; determined by chance, impulse, or whim
  • I almost died in a capricious winter storm.
    Stringent rulers are unlikely to act capriciously .
    The Mayor claimed that the action was reasonable, but in reality the action was arbitrary and capricious in nature.
  • *
  • Usage notes

    * Capricious can describe both a person and the decisions they make.

    Synonyms

    * whimsical * arbitrary

    Antonyms

    * conscientious * rigorous

    Derived terms

    * capriciously