What is the Difference Between Capricious and Cruel?

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The main difference between capricious and cruel lies in the nature of the actions or behaviors they describe:

  • Capricious: This term refers to someone or something that is unpredictable or impulsive, often characterized by sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior. Capricious actions are determined by chance, impulse, or whim, and they may lack consistent reason or motivation. The outcomes of capricious actions can vary due to their unpredictable nature.
  • Cruel: Cruel refers to the deliberate infliction of pain, suffering, or harm, whether physically or emotionally. A cruel person or action is characterized by an intent to cause harm or suffering, often with malevolent intent. The outcomes of cruel actions usually result in harm or distress.

In summary, capricious actions are impulsive and unpredictable, while cruel actions involve intentionally causing pain or suffering to others. Both terms describe behavior, but they differ in terms of motives and outcomes.

Comparative Table: Capricious vs Cruel

Here is a table summarizing the differences between capricious and cruel:

Feature Capricious Cruel
Definition Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior, impulsive or unpredictable Wilfully causing pain or suffering to others, or feeling no concern about it
Nature of behavior Unpredictable, impulsive, and whimsical Deliberate infliction of pain or suffering
Intent Lacks consistent reason or motivation Intent to harm or degrade others
Examples The whole country suffered under the rule of a capricious leader
His capricious and whimsical nature made him an unpopular person among colleagues
People who are cruel to animals should not be allowed to keep pets
Their country was ruled by a cruel tyrant

Capricious refers to an individual's unpredictable or impulsive nature, characterized by sudden and unaccountable changes in mood or behavior. On the other hand, cruel refers to the deliberate infliction of pain or suffering on others, often with a strong intent to harm or degrade. While capricious actions might inadvertently cause harm due to their unpredictable nature, cruel actions are intentional and aim to inflict harm or suffering.