whim
B2Neutral to slightly formal. Common in written and spoken language.
Definition
Meaning
A sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained.
A fanciful or capricious idea; an impulsive or irrational notion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a lack of serious consideration, planning, or rationality. Can carry a negative connotation of unreliability or triviality, or a neutral/positive connotation of spontaneity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British English historical/literary contexts.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties: capriciousness, unpredictability.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + verb (have/act on/follow) + (a) whimAt/On + the whim + of + someoneVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “At the whim of (someone/something) = controlled by their sudden desires.”
- “A mere whim = a trivial or unimportant impulse.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used negatively: 'The company's strategy cannot change at the whim of the CEO.'
Academic
Used in psychology, literature, or history to discuss motivation or character: 'The king ruled by whim, not by law.'
Everyday
Common for describing impulsive decisions: 'We booked the holiday on a whim.'
Technical
Not applicable in most technical fields.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He bought the cake on a whim.
- She changed her hairstyle on a sudden whim.
- The manager's decisions seemed based on personal whim rather than company policy.
- The entire legal system was subject to the arbitrary whims of the ruling elite.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'WHIM' sounds like 'WHIMper' – a sudden, weak, changeable cry, like a sudden, weak, changeable idea.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WHIM IS A WIND/GUST (sudden, blowing in and out, unpredictable).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'фантазия' (fantasy/imagination). A whim is more impulsive and less elaborate.
- Do not confuse with 'каприз' which is stronger and often associated with stubbornness, especially in children. 'Whim' is lighter.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable noun without an article: 'He acted on whim.' (Incorrect) vs. 'He acted on a whim.' (Correct).
- Confusing 'whim' (noun) with 'whimsical' (adjective).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'whim' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but context-dependent. It can be negative (implying irrationality) or positive/neutral (implying delightful spontaneity).
They are often synonyms. 'Whim' can suggest more fancifulness or caprice, while 'impulse' is broader and can be driven by instinct or emotion.
No, 'whim' is only a noun. The related adjective is 'whimsical'.
It means to be completely subject to someone's (or something's) unpredictable changes of desire or decision.
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