adverb
- In a whimsical, unpredictable, or capricious manner; with sudden changes in tempo or mood (used as a musical direction).
Usage: musical term; Italian origin
adjective
- Characterized by whimsy, unpredictability, or sudden changes; capricious.
Usage: musical or literary context; Italian origin
Examples
- The conductor instructed the orchestra to play the passage capriccioso, with playful tempo changes.
- The composer marked the second movement capriccioso to encourage spontaneous expression.
- Her capriccioso mood made it impossible to predict how she would react.
- The music had a capriccioso quality, shifting unexpectedly between fast and slow sections.
- He performed the piece capriccioso, adding his own interpretive flourishes.
- The capriccioso nature of the weather kept everyone guessing about the weekend forecast.