whim
/icons/point.icon CAPRICE, WHIM, VAGARY, CROTCHET mean an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire.
CAPRICE stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness.
e.g. by sheer caprice she quit her job
WHIM implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination.
e.g. an odd antique that was bought on a whim
VAGARY stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire.
e.g. he had been prone to strange vagaries
CROTCHET implies an eccentric opinion or preference.
e.g. a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets
noun
1. a sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained:
«…したいという» 気まぐれ, むら気; (ふとした)思いつき, 出来心 «to do»
e.g. she bought it on a whim
e.g. he appeared and disappeared at whim.
2. archaic a windlass for raising ore or water from a mine.
(馬が引く)巻き上げ器〘もと鉱山で鉱石･水を上げた〙
ORIGIN
late 17th century: of unknown origin. whim (sense 2) (mid 18th century) is a transferred use.