impromptu
[im-promp-too, -tyoo]
- made or done without previous preparation: an impromptu address to the unexpected crowds.
- suddenly or hastily prepared, made, etc.: an impromptu dinner.
- improvised; having the character of an improvisation.
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- without preparation: verses written impromptu.
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- something impromptu; an impromptu speech, musical composition, performance, etc.
- a character piece for piano common in the 19th century and having, despite its title, a clear-cut form.
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Origin of impromptu
Synonyms
See more synonyms for impromptu on Thesaurus.com1. See extemporaneous.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for impromptu
Contemporary Examples
One guy hams it up as Juliet, blonde wig and all, as a crowd gathers, delighted by the impromptu performance.
The funk legend treats unsuspecting concertgoers to an impromptu show.
On Tuesday, Logan pointed to a stained spot of concrete near two dumpsters where he gave Poindexter impromptu last rites.
Johnson gave an impromptu press conference during Hamer's speech, interrupting her televised testimony.
Remembering Civil Rights Heroine Fannie Lou Hamer: 'I'm Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired'Lottie L. Joiner
September 2, 2014
It certainly smelled like something other than natural good vibes was fueling the impromptu dancing in the aisles.
Historical Examples
Practice has made them quite perfect in this impromptu modeling.
Aztec LandMaturin M. Ballou
I have arranged an impromptu masquerade by moonlight on the terrace (period).
NobodyLouis Joseph Vance
Certainly it was a fine and dramatic bit of impromptu pleading.
Mark Twain, A Biography, 1835-1910, CompleteAlbert Bigelow Paine
It was an impromptu effort to avoid telling me who they are, but they are known.
The Memoires of Casanova, CompleteJacques Casanova de Seingalt
Her dark eyes were hidden in the shadows of her impromptu hood.
impromptu
- unrehearsed; spontaneous; extempore
- produced or done without care or planning; improvised
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- in a spontaneous or improvised wayhe spoke impromptu
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- something that is impromptu
- a short piece of instrumental music, sometimes improvisatory in character
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Word Origin
C17: from French, from Latin in promptū in readiness, from promptus (adj) ready, prompt
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for impromptu
1660s (adv.), 1764 (adj.), from French impromptu (1650s), from Latin in promptu "in readiness," from assimilated form of in- "into, in, on, upon" (see in- (2)) + promptu, ablative of promptus "readiness," from past participle of promere "to bring out," from pro- "before, forward, for" + emere "to obtain" (see exempt).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper