spontaneity

American  

[spon-tuh-nee-i-tee, -ney-] / ˌspɒn təˈni ɪ ti, -ˈneɪ- /

noun

spontaneities plural

1. the state, quality, or fact of being spontaneous.

2. spontaneous activity.

3. spontaneities, spontaneous impulses, movements, or actions.

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spontaneity British  

/ -ˈneɪ-, ˌspɒntəˈniːɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being spontaneous

2. (often plural) the exhibiting of actions, impulses, or behaviour that are stimulated by internal processes

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Usage

What does spontaneity mean? Spontaneity is the state or quality of being spontaneous—happening naturally and without being planned. When you describe an action or event as spontaneous, it means it happened naturally, without having been planned, as in The meeting turned into a spontaneous dance party. Spontaneity can also refer to this kind of spontaneous activity. When something that someone does is described as spontaneous, it means it was done out of a natural impulse, without having been thought about beforehandWhen spontaneous is used to describe a person, it means they have a tendency to or are known for doing things impulsively and without planning. This is usually used in a positive way to portray them as a fun person who is adventurous and willing to do things on the spur of the moment. Telling someone to be more spontaneous or introduce more spontaneity into their life means you want them to be more flexible and willing to do more things on a whim instead of needing for things to be completely structured or scheduled. Example: I feel stuck in a routine—I need more spontaneity in my life.

Etymology

Origin of spontaneity

First recorded in 1645–55; from Late Latin spontāne(us) spontaneous + -ity

Explanation

Acting with spontaneity might mean bursting into song on the street, or throwing down your rake and jumping in a pile of leaves — in other words, doing something without thinking it through beforehand. The noun spontaneity is related to a more common word, the adjective spontaneous. The writer Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Our spontaneous action is always the best. You cannot, with your best deliberation and heed, come so close to any question as your spontaneous glance shall bring you.” He meant that if we learn to trust our instincts instead of weighing the potential consequences of everything we do, we'll make better decisions.

Example Sentences

“The beauty of that was the spontaneity. Spontaneity and capturing happy accidents are what art is all about.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2023

Spontaneity and creativity were always a big part of that, but we had to cut down on the spontaneity when the kids came along.

From Slate • Aug. 25, 2020

Spontaneity is a word that no one would ever associate with me.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 9, 2019

Spontaneity, one of the currencies that branded him as a candidate, has all but disappeared.

From Washington Post • Feb. 14, 2017

Spontaneity of action had long since ceased within his fettered mind, where doubt had laid its detaining hand upon his judgment.

From Carmen Ariza by Stocking, Charles Francis