extempore

American  

[ik-stem-puh-ree] / ɪkˈstɛm pə ri /

adverb

1. on the spur of the moment; without premeditation or preparation; offhand.

   Questions were asked extempore from the floor.

2. without notes.

   to speak extempore.

3. (of musical performance) by improvisation.

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adjective

1. extemporaneous; impromptu.

extempore British  

/ ɪkˈstɛmpərɪ /

adverb

1. without planning or preparation; impromptu

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Related Words

See extemporaneous.

Other Word Forms

• nonextempore
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of extempore

First recorded in 1545–55; from Latin: literally, “out of the time, at the moment,” equivalent to ex “out of” ( see ex- ¹) + tempore “the time” (ablative singular of tempus )

Explanation

Something extempore is spontaneous and unscripted. An extempore dance party on the city bus might be fun, while an extempore speech in front of the whole school could be terrifying. The term exetempore comes from the Latin phrase ex tempore, "out of time," and was originally used to mean "without time to prepare." These days it usually comes up when a performer is improvising or a speaker goes off script or doesn't use a teleprompter: "The President's extempore remarks made his advisors nervous." You can also use the synonym extemporaneous.

Example Sentences

"Whether the use of well-composed forms, or extempore prayer in dissenting congregations be most agreeable to the Dignity of Religious worship, and the general Edification?—2 for Forms, 16 for Extempore."

From Fragments of Two Centuries Glimpses of Country Life when George III. was King by Kingston, Alfred

Extempore blank verse, with a little practice, would be found as easy in English as rhyming is in Italian.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Volume 1, No. 2, July, 1850. by Various

Extempore verses are certainly the very touch-stone of genius.

From The Pretentious Young Ladies by Molière

Extempore Remarks The great theme so deeply and solemnly expounded by the preacher, has been exemplified in all ages, but chiefly in the great crises of nations or of the human race.

From Miscellaneous Writings, 1883-1896 by Eddy, Mary Baker

Extempore teaching on men and things, &c. &c.

From The Infant System For Developing the Intellectual and Moral Powers of all Children, from One to Seven years of Age by Wilderspin, Samuel