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caper

verb

/ˈkeɪpə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of caper

To skip or dance playfully, often with exaggerated movements or with a spring in one's step.
"The energetic horse would caper in the field, galloping freely with joy."

Detailed meaning of caper

Capering can also refer to more mischievous or playful actions, such as jumping around, frolicking, or engaging in pranks or horseplay. Additionally, caper can be used to describe more serious or criminal activities, such as a heist or a burglary. In this context, capering may involve leaping, jumping, or dodging to evade detection or capture. Overall, the verb caper connotes a sense of playful exuberance or high-spiritedness, whether in a positive or negative context.

Example sentences containing caper

1. The mischievous child loved to caper around the room, causing chaos.
2. The dancers gracefully caper across the stage, mesmerizing the audience.
3. The puppy couldn't contain its excitement and started to caper around the park.
4. The wind made the leaves caper in the air, creating a beautiful spectacle.
5. The actor's energetic performance made him caper around the set with enthusiasm.
6. The children giggled as they watched the kittens caper playfully in the yard.

History and etymology of caper

The verb 'caper' has a lively and spirited etymology. It is believed to have originated from the Latin word 'caprio,' which means 'goat.' In the ancient Roman countryside, goats were known for their energetic and playful jumping and leaping. The term 'caper' was subsequently adopted into Old French as 'caprioler,' signifying the playful and exuberant leaping or jumping movements characteristic of goats. Over time, the word 'caper' made its way into English with a sense of playfulness, often describing the act of skipping or dancing playfully, typically with exaggerated movements or a spring in one's step. The etymology of 'caper' highlights its historical connection to the spirited and energetic movements of goats, capturing the essence of playful and lively actions when used to describe human behavior.

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Further usage examples of caper

1. The circus performers amazed the crowd with their acrobatic capering.
2. The playful dolphins would caper in the water, entertaining the spectators.
3. The group of friends decided to caper along the beach, enjoying the sunshine.
4. The animated characters in the movie would often caper around in hilarious situations.
5. The rhythmic music inspired the dancers to caper with joy and passion.
6. The spring breeze made the kites caper in the sky, soaring high above.
7. The cheerful clown would caper around, bringing laughter to the children's faces.
8. The lively festival was filled with people singing, dancing, and capering merrily.
9. The squirrel would caper from tree to tree, searching for nuts to store.
10. The children's game involved hopping and capering around, laughing all the while.
11. The butterflies would caper among the flowers, adding vibrant colors to the garden.
12. The comedian's hilarious antics would make the audience caper with laughter.
13. The playful breeze would make the leaves caper and dance along the sidewalk.
14. She couldn't resist the urge to caper around the meadow, filled with joy.
15. With a bouquet in hand, he began to caper around the room in celebration.
16. The children caper happily through the park, their laughter filling the air.
17. After winning the race, she started to caper in victory, arms in the air.
18. The puppy's tail wags as it continues to caper around the garden.
19. They watched the fireflies caper in the night, their lights mesmerizing.
20. In the rain, they decided to caper in puddles, getting soaked but having fun.
21. The circus clown's colorful costume made him look like he was ready to caper.
22. Under the starry sky, they held hands and began to caper on the beach.
23. The music's infectious rhythm made everyone in the room caper with delight.
24. With a burst of energy, he started to caper down the street, drawing smiles from passersby.