Basic Details
Word: Whimsy
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A playful or fanciful idea; something that is amusing or unpredictable.
Synonyms: Quirk, Fantasy, Whimsicality
Antonyms: Seriousness, Commonplace
Idioms and Phrases
- Whims of fate: Unpredictable changes in circumstances or fortune. Example: "She accepted the whims of fate and embraced the adventure that lay ahead."
- Take a whim: To act on a sudden desire or impulse. Example: "He decided to take a whim and paint the entire room bright yellow."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The story was filled with whimsy, bringing to life a world where animals could talk and trees could dance.
Example 2: Her room was decorated with a whimsy of colours and patterns that made it feel magical.
Example 3: The children enjoyed a day filled with whimsy at the fair, riding bright, spinning carousels and seeing clowns.
Fun Fact
The word "whimsy" comes from the 17th century English word "whimsey," which is a combination of "whim" (meaning a sudden desire) and "fancy" (meaning imagination), highlighting its playful nature.
Famous Quote
"The only way to deal with the unpredictability of life is to embrace it with a spirit of whimsy." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "whimsy" mean?
a) A serious matter
b) A playful or fanciful idea
c) A type of tree
d) A scientific concept
Answer: b) A playful or fanciful idea
2. Which of these is a synonym of "whimsy"?
a) Seriousness
b) Quirk
c) Predictability
d) Normality
Answer: b) Quirk
3. Which sentence uses "whimsy" correctly?
a) The research was based on whimsy and facts.
b) The melody was filled with whimsy, making everyone smile.
c) He completed the exam with whimsy.
d) The recipe required whimsy ingredients.
Answer: b) The melody was filled with whimsy, making everyone smile.
4. Which idiom relates to "whimsy"?
a) Whims of fate
b) A piece of cake
c) Under the weather
d) All of a sudden
Answer: a) Whims of fate
5. What is the opposite of "whimsy"?
a) Quirkiness
b) Commonplace
c) Fancy
d) Cheerfulness
Answer: b) Commonplace
