whimsy

/ˈwɪmzi/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈɪmsi] /ˈwɪmzi/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈɪmsi] /ˈ(h)wim-zē How to pronounce whimsy (audio)/ (ame, mw)

whimsy — noun

  • whimsysingular
  • whimsiesplural

1. a pleasingly odd quality that makes something feel light, imaginative, and a lit

1.名詞C1
釋義

a pleasingly odd quality that makes something feel light, imaginative, and a little funny

例句

The cafe's mismatched chairs gave the room a touch of whimsy.

a touch of whimsy for playful charm

Beatriz added paper stars for a little whimsy in the hallway.

同義詞
  • playfulness

    More general and less tied to visual style than whimsy.

  • charm

    Broader and less specifically odd or imaginative.

  • quirkiness

    Stresses unusual character, often with less warmth.

反義詞
  • seriousness

    Seriousness removes the light, fanciful tone that whimsy adds.

  • plainness

    Plainness lacks the imaginative detail found in whimsy.

文法句型

a touch of whimsy

add whimsy to something

用法筆記

Often used for art, design, or storytelling that feels charmingly unusual rather than serious. Distinguish this sense from sense 2, which is often critical about empty oddness.

常見錯誤

❌The room was very whimsy.
✅The room was full of whimsy.
💡'whimsy' is a noun, so it needs a noun pattern rather than an adjective slot.

2. an oddly amusing detail or creation that is meant to delight people but seems sh

2.名詞C2
釋義

an oddly amusing detail or creation that is meant to delight people but seems shallow or pointless instead

例句

Critics called the novel's talking clock an empty piece of whimsy.

piece of whimsy for a decorative odd detail

The giant rubber duck was whimsy, not a serious public artwork.

同義詞
  • gimmick

    More openly critical and often about grabbing attention.

  • novelty

    Can be neutral, while whimsy here implies weak substance.

  • frill

    Suggests an unnecessary extra rather than humor.

反義詞
  • substance

    Substance implies real depth or value, which whimsy here lacks.

  • serious art

    Serious art aims for weight or meaning instead of empty oddness.

文法句型

piece of whimsy

mere whimsy

用法筆記

Usually appears in reviews or criticism when an unusual feature feels decorative but empty. Distinguish it from sense 1, which is warmly positive about playful style.

常見錯誤

❌The statue adds whimsy and deep meaning.
✅The statue adds whimsy, but some viewers find it shallow.
💡This sense usually suggests the odd detail lacks much value beneath the effect.

3. a brief, unexplained impulse or idea that rises suddenly and may disappear just

3.名詞C2
釋義

a brief, unexplained impulse or idea that rises suddenly and may disappear just as quickly

例句

By Monday, the whimsy that sent Aaron to the tattoo shop had faded.

literary use for a passing impulse

One midnight whimsy led Hao to order a trumpet online.

同義詞
  • whim

    The usual modern word for a sudden, unplanned impulse.

  • impulse

    More immediate and action-driven than the literary tone of whimsy.

  • fancy

    Can mean a passing desire, often with a lighter tone.

反義詞
  • plan

    A plan is deliberate and sustained instead of sudden.

  • reason

    Reason suggests a clear basis that this kind of impulse lacks.

文法句型

a brief whimsy

whimsy that leads someone to do something

用法筆記

This literary sense is much rarer in modern English than whim. It refers to a passing impulse or idea, not to the playful style described in sense 1.

常見錯誤

❌On a whimsy, Kabir bought the scooter.
✅On a whim, Kabir bought the scooter.
💡Modern English normally uses 'whim', not 'whimsy', in that fixed phrase.