impulsive

First recorded in 1375–1425 for an earlier sense; 1545–55 for current senses; late Middle English impulsif, from Medieval Latin impulsīvus; see origin at impulse, -ive

synonym study for impulsive

1. See impetuous.

OTHER WORDS FROM impulsive

im·pul·sive·ly, adverbim·pul·siv·i·ty

[im-puhl-siv-i-tee], /ɪmˌpʌlˈsɪv ɪ ti/, im·pul·sive·ness, nounnon·im·pul·sive, adjectivenon·im·pul·sive·ly, adverb

un·im·pul·sive, adjectiveun·im·pul·sive·ly, adverb

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH impulsive

1. compulsive, impulsive 2. impetuous, impulsive (see synonym study at impetuous)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use impulsive in a sentence

Adults nappers can tolerate frustration longer and feel less impulsive.
Nap time is the new coffee break. Here’s how to make the most of it.|Galadriel Watson|February 1, 2021|Washington Post
At the end of the eighth season, Marshall is offered judgeship and impulsively accepts before talking to Lily.
Everything You Need to Know About 'How I Met Your Mother'|Chancellor Agard|March 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Cons: Remembering what happened last time you impulsively embarked on a new fitness venture.
So You Are Enduring a Temporarily Paralyzing Winter Storm|Kelly Williams Brown|February 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Lane then impulsively kisses Joan in her office, a move that she gracefully dismisses without further wounding his pride.
‘Mad Men’ Returns: A Recap of Season Five|Jace Lacob|April 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST

The perpetrators were impulsively violent and willing to kill.
Pundits Pin Blame for Murderer Jovan Belcher on Everything But Him|Buzz Bissinger|December 5, 2012|DAILY BEAST
On the other hand, she seems entirely capable of announcing for president impulsively.
Not-Ready-for-Prime-Time Palin|John Avlon|September 2, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Miss Thangue replied, impulsively, "I have often wondered if you numbered satiety among your complexities!"
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
Impulsively I reached out, and pressed the parts of the ring into a close-fitting whole, when, lo!
Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist|Alexander Berkman
She held out her hand impulsively, and her eyes were smiling as she said; "We will be generous, Monsieur Harkness—"
Astounding Stories, May, 1931|Various
She could not resist a touch of irony in the last words, and Ruth, who had been ready to take her hand impulsively, was stung.
Mrs. Falchion, Complete|Gilbert Parker
"Oh, but Cordelia, that isn't quite fair," she began impulsively; but for once Cordelia forgot her politeness and interrupted.
The Sunbridge Girls at Six Star Ranch|Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter

British Dictionary definitions for impulsive

impulsive

/ (ɪmˈpʌlsɪv) /

adjective

characterized by actions based on sudden desires, whims, or inclinations rather than careful thoughtan impulsive man

based on emotional impulses or whims; spontaneousan impulsive kiss

forceful, inciting, or impelling

(of physical forces) acting for a short time; not continuous

(of a sound) brief, loud, and having a wide frequency range

Derived forms of impulsive

impulsively, adverbimpulsiveness, noun

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

Medical definitions for impulsive

impulsive

[ ĭm-pŭl′sĭv ]

adj.

Inclined or tending to act on impulse rather than thought.

Motivated by or resulting from impulse.

Other words from impulsive

im•pul′sive•ness null n.

impulsive

OTHER WORDS FOR impulsive

Origin of impulsive

synonym study for impulsive

OTHER WORDS FROM impulsive

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH impulsive

Words related to impulsive

How to use impulsive in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for impulsive

Derived forms of impulsive

Medical definitions for impulsive

Other words from impulsive