flighty

Definition

Given to unplanned and silly ideas or actions.

Etymology

From flight + -y. Compare Dutch vluchtig (“volatile; fleeting; cursory”), German flüchtig (“volatile; fleeting; momentary; quick”), Danish flygtig (“elusive; evasive”), Swedish flyktig.

Example Sentences

• ""We know that flighty birds suffer from greater risk of raptor predation, and I assume that it is useful to understand the effects of urbanization because flighty species may be more vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbance.""
• "Permanent way and other checks then somewhat slowed down this flighty progress."