English Explanatory Dictionary

vagary

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An erratic, unpredictable occurrence or action.
  2. Something vague.
  3. An impulsive or illogical desire; a caprice or whim.

Pronunciation

/vəˈɡɛɚ.i/ /ˈveɪɡəɹi/ En-us-vagary.ogg

Word forms

vagary vagaries

Etymology

From Italian vagare (“wander”) and/or its source Latin vagārī (“to wander”), from Latin vagus (“wandering”). Later apparently reinterpreted in English as vague + -ery but without changing the spelling. By surface analysis, Latin vag(us) + -ary.

Synonyms

boutade caprice capriccio conceit crotchet delirament fancy fangle figary flisk freak kink lark maggot megrim spleen toy vagary whim whim-wham whimsy

Related words

figary vagabond vagrancy vagrant vague vaguery

Derived words

vagarity vagarious
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