impromptu Hear it!

impromptu Definition

im·promptu (im prämp′to̵̅o̅′)

adjective, adverb

without preparation or advance thought; offhand

Etymology: Fr < L in promptu, in readiness < in, in + promptu, abl. of promptus, readiness < promptus, brought out, ready, prompt

noun

an impromptu speech, performance, etc.

impromptu Synonyms

impromptu

modif.

extemporaneous, extemporary, extempore, improvised, unprepared, offhand; see also extemporaneous.

impromptu is applied to that which is spoken, made, or done on the spur of the moment to suit the occasion and stresses spontaneity; extemporaneous, extempore (more commonly used as an adverb), and extemporary may express the same idea but are now more often used of a speech that has received some preparation, but has not been written out or memorized; improvised applies to something composed or devised without any preparation and, with reference to things other than music, suggests the ingenious use of whatever is at hand to fill an unforeseen and immediate need

impromptu Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • ceilidh: We also had an impromptu ceilidh in the street, thanks to the music provided by a portable stereo.
  • rendition: An apparently impromptu rendition of The Beatles ' hit.
  • gig: On the main street, some kids have taken over a shop front to put on an impromptu gig.
  • gathering: Others who had not arranged to see constituents, even came down to the lobby to hold impromptu gatherings.
  • jam: An impromptu acoustic jam by Ian rounded off the evening.
  • speech: There was also an impromptu speech from our builder, Frank Lynch.

Modifying Another Word

  • totally: What's more, many of them can be done totally impromptu with nothing more than a borrowed bill or two.
  • entirely: And, best of all, it can be done entirely impromptu using only borrowed materials.
  • often: There are often impromptu other " soiree's " to be arranged throughout the year.
  • little: A little like the little impromptu " Turn Out The Lights " on " Bless It's Pointed Little Head " .
  • supposedly: During the supposedly impromptu visit, Lady Thatcher was accompanied by Sky TV crews, which broadcast the proceedings live.

Used with adjective complement

  • perform: Each can be performed totally impromptu, anytime, any place, making you a Master of Mind Control overnight!
  • do: What's more, many of them can be done totally impromptu with nothing more than a borrowed bill or two.
  • speak: Almost no one can speak impromptu with such care for the language.