capricious reasoning

[kuh-PRISH-us REE-zuh-ning]
noun phrasepl: capricious reasonings
raciocínio caprichoso
1. Logic or argumentation that is based on sudden, unpredictable changes of mood or thought rather than careful analysis or consistent principles
The judge's capricious reasoning led to inconsistent verdicts in similar cases.
O raciocínio caprichoso do juiz levou a sentenças inconsistentes em casos semelhantes.
2. Thinking characterized by whim, impulse, or arbitrary decision-making without rational foundation
His capricious reasoning made it impossible to predict his business decisions.
Seu raciocínio caprichoso tornava impossível prever suas decisões comerciais.
This phrase is frequently used in academic, legal, and business contexts in both Brazil and the USA to criticize decision-making that lacks consistency or logical foundation. In Brazilian Portuguese legal discourse, 'raciocínio caprichoso' is often invoked to challenge court rulings or administrative decisions perceived as arbitrary.
NYC Slang
wishy-washy reasoning; all over the place logic
Synonyms / Sinônimos
arbitrary reasoningwhimsical logicinconsistent thinkingerratic argumentationunpredictable logic
Antonyms / Antônimos
logical reasoningrational thinkingsound judgmentconsistent logicprincipled reasoning

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
raciocínio caprichoso
standard formal usage
Rio de Janeiro
pensamento caprichoso
slightly more colloquial variant
São Paulo
raciocínio caprichoso
formal business and legal contexts
Portugal
raciocínio caprichoso
identical usage, though less common in everyday speech

Related Words

capriciousnesswhimsyarbitrarinessinconsistencyirrationalityimpulsiveness

Related Idioms & Phrases

reasoning based on a whim
all over the map thinking
following one's fancy in argument
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →