extempore

[ ik-stem-puh-ree ]

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.

adjective

1. extemporaneous; impromptu.

extempore

/ ɪkˈstɛmpərɪ /

adverb

1. without planning or preparation; impromptu

Other Words From

• nonex·tempo·re adverb adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of extempore¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of extempore¹

C16: from Latin ex tempore instantaneously, from ex- ¹out of + tempus time

Synonym Study

See extemporaneous.

Example Sentences

Never having known, before, how to roast an egg, I did not regret this lesson in the art of extempore cookery.

From Project Gutenberg

He spoke extempore and admirably, and could go on for a long time in that deep, appealing voice which had struck us to the soul.

From Project Gutenberg

Carpenters were at work converting the library into an extempore theatre.

From Project Gutenberg

Carlyle had no faith in rapid writing of any sort, any more than Daniel Webster had in extempore speaking.

From Project Gutenberg

Prince Albert was present, and made a very sensible and pertinent extempore speech.

From Project Gutenberg