impromptu

Intermediatezipf 3.19

Pronunciation

/ɪmˈprɒmptjuː/(im-PROMP-too)

Part of speech

adjective / adverbneutral

Chinese

即兴的；临时的

Definition

Done without being planned, organised, or rehearsed; spontaneous.

Word family

  • (no common derivatives)

Collocations

  • impromptu speech
  • impromptu meeting
  • impromptu performance
  • impromptu party
  • impromptu visit

Examples

  1. 1.The CEO gave an impromptu speech in the cafeteria to address staff concerns about the merger. (unplanned)
  2. 2.An impromptu celebration broke out in the streets after the team won the championship. (spontaneous)

Synonyms

  • spontaneous/spɒnˈteɪniəs/— happening naturally without planning
  • improvisational— created on the spot
  • ad hoc /æd ˈhɒk/ (arranged for a specific purpose — Latin)

Etymology

from Latin "in promptu" (in readiness) — "promptus" (prepared, at hand) — ironically, the original meaning was "at the ready," but it shifted to "without preparation"