impetuous

American  

[im-pech-oo-uhs] / ɪmˈpɛtʃ u əs /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by sudden or rash action, emotion, etc.; impulsive.

   an impetuous decision; an impetuous person.

   Synonyms:

   headlong, eager

   Antonyms:

   careful, planned

2. having great impetus; moving with great force; violent.

   the impetuous winds.

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impetuous British  

/ ɪmˈpɛtjʊəs, ɪmˌpɛtjʊˈɒsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. liable to act without consideration; rash; impulsive

2. resulting from or characterized by rashness or haste

3. poetic moving with great force or violence; rushing

   the impetuous stream hurtled down the valley

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Related Words

Impetuous, impulsive both refer to persons who are hasty and precipitate in action, or to actions not preceded by thought. Impetuous suggests eagerness, violence, rashness: impetuous vivacity; impetuous desire; impetuous words. Impulsive emphasizes spontaneity and lack of reflection: an impulsive act of generosity.

Other Word Forms

• impetuously adverb
• impetuousness noun

Etymology

Origin of impetuous

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin impetuōsus, equivalent to Latin impetu(s) “an attack” + -ōsus adjective suffix; impetus, -ous

Related Words

• ardent
• impulsive