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mercurial

Adjective

IPA /mɜːˈkjʊəriəl/

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Meaning in plain English

Changing mood or behaviour quickly and unpredictably, so that other people find it difficult to know what to expect.

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Pronunciation

mercurial/mɜːˈkjʊəriəl/

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Someone is delighted a moment ago
Their mood changes unexpectedly
They suddenly become irritated

A mercurial mood changes quickly and is difficult to predict.

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His mercurial mood shifted from delight to irritation during dinner.
Working with a mercurial supervisor made it difficult to anticipate reactions.

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His ________ mood shifted from delight to irritation during dinner.

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mercurial — Changing mood or behaviour quickly and unpredictably, so that other people find it difficult to know what to expect.

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Changing mood or behaviour quickly and unpredictably, so that other people find it difficult to know what to expect.

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Word origin

From Latin mercurialis, meaning relating to the god Mercury.

Did you know?

Mercurial can also have a literary sense meaning lively and quick, especially when describing a mind.

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