mercurial

/məːˈkjʊə.ɹɪ.əl/

Group 24Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind
GRE

Example in Context

The director's mercurial temperament made the set a volatile environment where the mood could shift from elation to fury in moments.

Synonyms

changeablevolatileunpredictable

Etymology

Quick and changeable, like the swift-moving god Mercury.

  • Mercurius (Latin) — the god of commerce
  • mercurium (Latin) — quick, fickle

Memory Aid

🌪️Sounds like “mercurial”

A MERCURY thermometer that can't decide if it's hot or cold, whirling like a tornado!

Visual Association

🎭A chameleon changing colors rapidly, flipping from happy to sad within seconds.

Semantic Clusters

⏳ Fleeting & Temporary🔒 Permanence & Change

Synonym Groups

⚖️ Temporary Spectrum⚖️ Change & Stability Spectrum⚖️ Predictability Spectrum

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “mercurial” mean on the GRE?

mercurial (adjective) means “Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind”. The director's mercurial temperament made the set a volatile environment where the mood could shift from elation to fury in moments.

How to remember “mercurial” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “mercurial” sounds like “mercurial”. A MERCURY thermometer that can't decide if it's hot or cold, whirling like a tornado!

What are synonyms for “mercurial”?

Common synonyms: changeable, volatile, unpredictable.