impromptu

[im-promp-too, -tyoo]

adjective

1. made or done without previous preparation.

   an impromptu address to the unexpected crowds.

2. suddenly or hastily prepared, made, etc..

   an impromptu dinner.

3. improvised; having the character of an improvisation.

adverb

1. without preparation.

   verses written impromptu.

noun

1. something impromptu; an impromptu speech, musical composition, performance, etc.

2. a character piece for piano common in the 19th century and having, despite its title, a clear-cut form.

impromptu

/ ɪmˈprɒmptjuː /

adjective

1. unrehearsed; spontaneous; extempore

2. produced or done without care or planning; improvised

adverb

1. in a spontaneous or improvised way

   he spoke impromptu

noun

1. something that is impromptu

2. a short piece of instrumental music, sometimes improvisatory in character

Word History and Origins

Origin of impromptu¹

First recorded in 1660–70; from French, from Latin in promptū “in readiness”; in, prompt

Word History and Origins

Origin of impromptu¹

C17: from French, from Latin in promptū in readiness, from promptus (adj) ready, _prompt

Synonym Study

See extemporaneous.

Example Sentences

To celebrate, she dives deep into her songbook and plays impromptu versions of Speechless, from her 2009 Fame Monster album, and The Edge Of Glory, from 2011's Born This Way.

From BBC

But it was unsettling enough to make her book an impromptu flight to Dubai to continue celebrating her wedding anniversary there instead.

From BBC

He said he is hearing Punjabis are now targeted for impromptu English proficiency tests at highway checkpoints and weigh stations.

From Los Angeles Times

Office workers out to lunch got an impromptu lesson on its parts.

From Los Angeles Times

The Taylors began performing impromptu shows in New York City subways and became international sensations in 2018 when a video of them playing “Eight Days a Week” went viral.

From Salon

Related Words

• offhand 
• spontaneous 
• unscripted