1 : of, relating to, or born under the planet Mercury. 2 : having qualities of eloquence, ingenuity, or thievishness attributed to the god Mercury or to the influence of the planet Mercury. 3 : characterized by rapid and unpredictable changeableness of mood a mercurial temper.
Is mercurial positive or negative?
A mercurial nature can be either a negative or positive character trait, depending on how the person who possess such a quick-silver temperament handles it. To be mercurial usually brings to mind one who flies off the handle easily, who’s moody whims change temperature as quickly and as often as a Spring day.
What is the synonym of the word mercurial?
Some common synonyms of mercurial are capricious, fickle, inconstant, and unstable. While all these words mean “lacking firmness or steadiness (as in purpose or devotion),” mercurial implies a rapid changeability in mood.
What does mercurial nature mean?
adjective. changeable; volatile; fickle; flighty; erratic: a mercurial nature. animated; lively; sprightly; quick-witted. pertaining to, containing, or caused by the metal mercury.
What is the etymology of the word mercurial?
mercurial (adj.)
late 14c., “pertaining to or under the influence of the planet Mercury,” from Latin Mercurialis, from Mercurius (see Mercury). Meaning “pertaining to the god Mercury, having the form or qualities attributed to Mercury” (in reference to his role as god of trade or as herald and guide) is from 1590s.
What is the difference between capricious and mercurial?
As adjectives the difference between capricious and mercurial. is that capricious is impulsive and unpredictable; determined by chance, impulse, or whim while mercurial is (often capitalized, see (mercurial)) pertaining to the planet mercury.
What is mercurial energy?
Mercurial describes someone whose mood or behavior is changeable and unpredictable, or someone who is clever, lively, and quick. With a mercurial teacher, you never know where you stand. Mercury was the ancient Roman god of commerce and messenger of the gods, and the planet Mercury was named after the Roman god.
What means unabashed?
unabashed un-uh-BASHT adjective. : not embarrassed or ashamed by something that has happened or been done or said : undisguised, unapologetic.
What does trepidation US mean?
Definition of trepidation
1 : a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation : apprehension trepidation about starting a new job. 2 archaic : a tremulous motion : tremor. Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Trepidation Has Latin Roots More Example Sentences Learn More About trepidation.
What is a laconic person?
If you describe someone as laconic, you mean that they use very few words to say something, so that they seem casual or unfriendly. Usually so laconic in the office, Dr. Lahey seemed less guarded, more relaxed. Synonyms: terse, short, brief, clipped More Synonyms of laconic.
What part of speech is mercurial?
MERCURIAL (adjective) definition and synonyms | Macmillan Dictionary.
What is a precocious person?
Definition of precocious
1 : exceptionally early in development or occurrence precocious puberty. 2 : exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age a precocious child.
Who is a fatalist person?
a person who advances the idea that all events are naturally predetermined or subject to fate: Despite his teaching that class conflict is inevitable, observers contend that Marx was not a fatalist about historical change.
Are Mercuriality and volatility the same thing?
As adjectives the difference between volatile and mercurial
is that volatile is (physics) evaporating or vaporizing readily under normal conditions while mercurial is (often capitalized, see (mercurial)) pertaining to the planet mercury.