impromptu

American  

[im-promp-too, -tyoo] / ɪmˈprɒmp tu, -tyu /

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.

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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 British  

/ ɪmˈprɒmptjuː /

adjective

1. unrehearsed; spontaneous; extempore

2. produced or done without care or planning; improvised

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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

Related Words

See extemporaneous.

Etymology

Origin of impromptu

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

Example Sentences

Mr. Coyle has other stories of fun, impromptu group collaborations that lead to heartwarming results.

From The Wall Street Journal

Jelly Roll didn’t even need to look into the recent past to see the pitfalls of making impromptu remarks.

From Salon

The comments section praised her effortless humour and impromptu singing.

From Barron's

Our waiter overhears my mom’s impromptu poetry recital and tells us that the statue was built years ago and kept in storage for over a decade because Spaniards are divided in their feelings for Lorca.

From Literature

Hundreds of people gathered for an impromptu protest downtown later on Sunday.

From BBC

Related Words

• offhand
• spontaneous
• unscripted