impromptu

[ im-promp-too, -tyoo ]

/ ɪmˈprɒmp tu, -tyu /

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adjective

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.

adverb

without preparation: verses written impromptu.

noun

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.

Nearby words

Origin of impromptu

1660–70; < French < Latin in promptū in readiness; see in, prompt

SYNONYMS FOR impromptu

1. See extemporaneous.

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Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for impromptus

He astonished people at dinner by the impromptus he prepared at breakfast; in a word, he was a wit.
Paul Clifford, Complete|Edward Bulwer-Lytton
For completeness and height, and for sudden surprise, this speech exceeds all impromptus on record.
The Brothers' War|John Calvin Reed
How often have I hover'd at the edge of a crowd of them, to hear their repartees and impromptus!
Complete Prose Works|Walt Whitman
There are four Impromptus and four Ballades, also four Scherzos.
The World's Great Men of Music|Harriette Brower

Another remarkable question which I feel a wish to touch upon before closing this communication, is that of impromptus.
Notes and Queries, Number 51, October 19, 1850|Various

British Dictionary definitions for impromptus

impromptu

/ (ɪmˈprɒmptjuː) /

adjective

unrehearsed; spontaneous; extempore

produced or done without care or planning; improvised

adverb

in a spontaneous or improvised wayhe spoke impromptu

noun

something that is impromptu

a short piece of instrumental music, sometimes improvisatory in character

Word Origin for impromptu

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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).