impromptu
- 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.
- without preparation: verses written impromptu.
- 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.
Origin of impromptu
Synonyms for impromptu
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comExamples from the Web for impromptus
Historical Examples of impromptus
I just 'opped about Saigong like a--jackdaw, picking up these impromptus.
Dragon's bloodHenry Milner Rideout
There are four Impromptus and four Ballades, also four Scherzos.
The World's Great Men of MusicHarriette Brower
How often have I hover'd at the edge of a crowd of them, to hear their repartees and impromptus!
Complete Prose WorksWalt Whitman
For completeness and height, and for sudden surprise, this speech exceeds all impromptus on record.
The Brothers' WarJohn Calvin Reed
Another remarkable question which I feel a wish to touch upon before closing this communication, is that of impromptus.
impromptu
- unrehearsed; spontaneous; extempore
- produced or done without care or planning; improvised
- in a spontaneous or improvised wayhe spoke impromptu
- something that is impromptu
- a short piece of instrumental music, sometimes improvisatory in character
Word Origin for impromptu
Word Origin and History for impromptus
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).