Practice Madcap with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes

Study with flashcards, practice spelling, then take a quiz to check your understanding:

ACT 7 (American College Testing)

Choose an activity:

High School 3

Choose an activity:

Recklessness and Indulgence

Choose an activity:

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

madcap

Madcap (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ˈmædˌkæp/

What does madcap mean?

Characterized by wild, reckless, and often impulsive behavior.
"He bought a unicycle, continuing his streak of madcap hobbies."

Detailed Meaning of Madcap

It describes a disregard for convention, rules, or conventional wisdom, and a tendency to engage in unconventional or daring activities. "Madcap" implies a sense of lightheartedness, enthusiasm, and a willingness to take risks without concern for potential consequences. It suggests a certain level of eccentricity and a disregard for societal norms or expectations. The term can be applied to describe individuals who engage in spontaneous adventures, unconventional escapades, or whimsical pursuits. It captures the spirit of spontaneity and an embrace of the unpredictable and unconventional, often leading to comical or entertaining situations.

Example Sentences for Madcap

1. His madcap antics always make everyone laugh at family gatherings.
2. The team engaged in a madcap adventure, racing through the city for a scavenger hunt.
3. Her madcap ideas for themed parties are always the talk of the town.
4. The movie’s madcap chase scene left the audience in stitches.
5. She wore a madcap hat with feathers and lights to the gala.
6. The kids put on a madcap puppet show that was surprisingly entertaining.

Origin and Etymology of Madcap

The adjective 'madcap' has a lively and evocative etymology that captures its sense of wild and reckless behavior. It originated in the late 16th century and was formed by combining two words: 'mad,' meaning 'insane' or 'crazy,' and 'cap,' derived from the term 'cap' or 'capriccio,' meaning 'a sudden change of mood' or 'whimsy.' 'Capriccio' itself has roots in Italian and relates to impulsive or unpredictable actions. Therefore, 'madcap' essentially means 'crazy whim' or 'impulsive madness,' describing individuals or actions characterized by their tendency to engage in wild, unpredictable, and often daring or reckless behavior. The etymology of 'madcap' vividly conveys the sense of adventure and impulsivity associated with this adjective.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective madcap:

zany

sensible

cautious

prudent

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Madcap

1. He pitched a madcap scheme to sell rainwater as a luxury drink.
2. The band's madcap energy had everyone dancing and singing along.
3. His madcap sense of humor often involves pranks and practical jokes.
4. The book club decided to read a madcap comedy this month for a change.
5. They built a madcap contraption that made breakfast while also ironing shirts.
6. Her madcap approach to gardening included planting vegetables on the rooftop.
7. The madcap finale of the circus show featured clowns juggling while on stilts.
8. She couldn’t believe her madcap journey led her to find her long-lost twin.
9. Their madcap adventure took them on a whirlwind tour of Europe.
10. The madcap comedian had the audience roaring with laughter.
11. The movie's madcap chase scene left viewers on the edge of their seats.
12. She embarked on a madcap mission to find the hidden treasure.
13. Their madcap road trip featured spontaneous detours and antics.
14. The madcap scheme to build a treehouse in a day was ambitious.
15. He was known for his madcap stunts that defied common sense.
16. The madcap inventor had a knack for creating whimsical contraptions.
17. The madcap race through the obstacle course tested their agility.
18. Her madcap enthusiasm was infectious, and everyone joined in.
19. The madcap party lasted until dawn, with music and dancing.
20. The madcap proposal to parachute into the party was a hit.
21. The madcap antics of the circus clowns delighted the children.
22. Their madcap project to launch a homemade rocket was daring.
23. The madcap performance art left the audience bewildered.
24. The madcap escapade involved a hot air balloon and a trapeze.
25. The madcap skateboarder attempted daring tricks in the halfpipe.
26. The madcap scavenger hunt led them all over the city.
27. The madcap caper involved disguises, double-crosses, and comedy.
28. Their madcap journey into the unknown was a memorable adventure.