impulsive

[ im-puhl-siv ]

See synonyms for: impulsive impulsively impulsiveness on Thesaurus.com

adjective

actuated or swayed by emotional or involuntary impulses: an impulsive child.
having the power or effect of impelling; characterized by impulsion: impulsive forces.

inciting to action: the impulsive effects of a revolutionary idea.
Mechanics. (of forces) acting momentarily; not continuous.

Origin of 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 for impulsive

1	rash, quick, hasty

See synonyms for impulsive on Thesaurus.com

Other words from impulsive

im·pul·sive·ly, adverb
im·pul·siv·i·ty [im-puhl-siv-i-tee], /ɪmˌpʌlˈsɪv ɪ ti/, im·pul·sive·ness, noun
non·im·pul·sive, adjective
non·im·pul·sive·ly, adverb
un·im·pul·sive, adjective
un·im·pul·sive·ly, adverb

Words that may be confused with impulsive

1. compulsive, impulsive
2. impetuous, impulsive

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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 | THE 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 | THE 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 | THE 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 | THE 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 | THE 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 thought: an impulsive man
based on emotional impulses or whims; spontaneous: an 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, adverb
impulsiveness, 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

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