fickle in English
- fickle⇄fickle, adjective.
1. changing; not constant; likely to change without reason.
Ex. fickle fortune, a fickle lover.
(SYN) inconstant, unstable, unsteady, capricious, volatile.
2. likely to change in aspect or nature; uncertain. - fickle⇄noun fickleness.
fickle in Nepali नेपाली
fickle in Sindhi سنڌي
fickle in Telugu తెలుగు
Fickle
Part of Speech
Adjective
Pronunciation
/ˈfɪkəl/
Definitions
- Fickle: Likely to change frequently, especially with regard to loyalty, affection, or opinions; characterized by inconsistency or instability.
- Fickle: Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes in mood, behavior, or preferences.
Usage Examples
- "Her fickle nature made it hard for anyone to trust her decisions."
- "The fickle weather made it difficult to plan the outdoor event."
- "His fickle affection made their relationship unstable."
Etymology
The word "fickle" comes from Middle English "fikel," meaning "untrustworthy" or "changeable." It is related to the Old English "ficol," which meant "deceitful" or "fraudulent." The word has evolved over time to its modern meaning of unpredictability or instability in behavior or emotions.
Synonyms
- Unpredictable
- Changeable
- Inconstant
- Capricious
- Whimsical
- Erratic
Antonyms
- Constant
- Stable
- Steady
- Reliable
- Faithful
- Committed
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Inconstante | in-kon-stan-teh |
| French | Changeant | shahn-zhahn |
| German | Wechselhaft | vek-sel-haft |
| Italian | Incostante | in-kos-tan-teh |
| Portuguese | Inconstante | in-kon-stan-teh |
| Chinese | 变化无常 (Biànhuà wúcháng) | byan-hwa woo-chahng |
| Japanese | 浮気 (Uwaki) | oo-wah-kee |
| Russian | Переменчивый (Peremenschivyi) | peh-reh-myen-chee-vee |
| Arabic | متقلب (Mutaqallib) | moo-taq-al-lib |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British English: /ˈfɪkəl/
- American English: /ˈfɪkəl/
Historical Usage
The term "fickle" has been used for centuries to describe individuals or things that are prone to sudden changes or inconsistencies. In medieval times, the term was closely associated with the idea of faithlessness, especially in the context of relationships or loyalty. Over time, the usage has broadened to encompass anything marked by instability, from the weather to personal preferences.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, being described as fickle can carry a negative connotation, often implying that the individual is unreliable or untrustworthy. However, in some contexts, particularly in the arts or literature, fickleness may be portrayed as a form of spontaneity or creativity, adding depth to character development or the portrayal of a person’s volatile emotional state.
More Information
The word "fickle" is commonly used in everyday language to describe anything or anyone that is not constant, whether it's a person's affections, a changing trend, or the erratic behavior of the weather. It highlights the human tendency to be easily swayed by moods or external factors. The negative perception of fickleness often ties to a lack of reliability, especially in long-term relationships or situations that require commitment and consistency.