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

They make room for impromptu joy: a good mood, a nice email, the fact that you finally changed the sheets.

Read more on Salon

"Today's world needs signs and testimonies that give hope more than words," he said in an impromptu speech in English on the main deck.

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“The first two games in Milwaukee, his at-bats have been fantastic,” Roberts said Wednesday, before heading out to the field and watching Ohtani’s impromptu BP session.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“We are certainly not satisfied with these results. However, we are not surprised by them,” said CEO Jim Rechtin in an impromptu conference call.

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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.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• offhand 
• spontaneous 
• unscripted