Here's a breakdown:
* Mercurial: Derived from the Roman god Mercury, known for his swiftness and capricious nature.
* Temperament: Refers to an individual's natural predisposition towards certain emotional states and behavioral patterns.
Characteristics of a Mercurial Temperament:
* Volatile: They can shift from happy to angry, excited to withdrawn, in a short amount of time.
* Unpredictable: You never quite know what mood to expect from them.
* Impulsive: They might act on their emotions without thinking things through.
* Changeable: Their opinions and interests can fluctuate frequently.
Examples:
* "She's so mercurial; one minute she's laughing and the next she's storming out of the room."
* "He's a mercurial leader, capable of great inspiration and sudden outbursts of anger."
Important Note: While the term "mercurial" often suggests negativity, it doesn't necessarily mean someone is bad or unstable. It simply indicates a tendency towards emotional volatility.