impromptu
impromptu Lexical Profile
impromptu Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Done, said, or made without prior preparation, planning, or rehearsal.
"The mayor gave an impromptu speech to the crowd that had gathered outside city hall."
• adverb
Without previous preparation or rehearsal; on the spur of the moment.
"When the keynote speaker was delayed, she spoke impromptu for twenty minutes to keep the audience engaged."
• noun
A short musical composition, especially for the piano, designed to sound as though it is being improvised on the spot.
"The pianist closed the recital with one of Schubert's most lyrical impromptus."
An extemporaneous speech, remark, or performance made without prior preparation.
"His witty impromptu drew more applause than the formal presentations that preceded it."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century from French impromptu, which was adapted from the Latin phrase in promptu, meaning 'in readiness' or 'at hand' (from promptus, 'brought to light' or 'prepared').