Vagary

English

Etymology

From Italian vagare ("wander") and/or its source Latin vagari ("to wander"), from Latin vagus ("wandering"). Later apparently reinterpreted in English as vague + -ery but without changing the spelling. Surface analysis: vag(us) + -ary.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /vəˈɡɛɚ.i/ (General American, formerly)
• IPA: /ˈveɪɡəɹi/ (General American, now commonly)
• Audio (US): En-us-vagary.ogg

Noun

vagary (plural vagaries)

1. An erratic, unpredictable occurrence or action.
2. Something vague.
3. An impulsive or illogical desire; a caprice or whim.

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Derived terms

• vagarian
• vagarish
• vagarity
• vagarious

Related terms

• figary
• vague
• vagrancy
• vagrant
• vagabond

See also

• vaguery