(pronounced mer-KYUR-ee-ehl)
As you might imagine, the origin of this word is the Roman god Mercury, after which the planet is named. Due to Mercury’s darting about, traveling the earth and heavens as a messenger, the word mercurial is used to describe something/someone that has been influenced by the god/planet – i.e., a bit unstable, erratic, unpredictable or even volatile. Though Mercury was also clever and eloquent, his lesser qualities tend to be associated with this word.
Example: Geoff’s mercurial disposition was getting in the way of his ever being promoted to the firm’s healthcare division’s primary project manager position.
