Flightily

Flightily describes behaving in a capricious, impulsive, or erratic manner, often characterized by a lack of seriousness or stability. It implies a tendency to change one's mind or direction quickly and unpredictably, often driven by fleeting whims or distractions. This behavior can be associated with a disregard for planning, long-term consequences, or established commitments. Someone acting flightily might appear frivolous, easily swayed, and lacking in depth or commitment. The core of 'flightily' involves a lack of sustained focus or purpose, leading to unpredictable actions and decisions. It suggests a lightness of spirit that, while potentially charming, can also be unreliable or irresponsible.

Flightily meaning with examples

• Her decision to suddenly quit her job and travel the world seemed flightily impulsive to her colleagues, especially since she hadn't saved any money. She changed her plans almost daily. Her husband thought she was flightily and wouldn't stick to any of her decisions and it would make her look foolish. She never seemed to complete any task.
• The politician's stance on environmental issues shifted flightily depending on the latest polling data, revealing a lack of conviction and a susceptibility to public opinion. He seemed more interested in gaining support than sticking to his values. He often changed his mind. His public persona seemed flightily and not genuine.
• The artist's experimental approach to his work included a flightily changing style, which meant he never remained true to his art or stuck with a consistent vision. It left some people feeling that there was no cohesion in his vision. He was very flightily and could never decide what his real work was.
• The character in the novel acted flightily throughout the story, constantly switching between different goals and relationships without a clear purpose. This made her difficult to relate to. Her actions were unpredictable, and her motivations were obscure. She appeared flightily to most everyone she met.