Word
impromptu
Phoneticsim·promp·tu, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɹɑmptu/
UK/ɪmpɹˈɒmptuː/
Definition
adj. done or said without any preparation or planning. You use this when someone does something on the spot because they have to or want to.
adj. planned, organized, or performed without advance preparation; extemporaneous. Often used to describe speeches, performances, or social gatherings.
Examples
“The team held an impromptu celebration after winning the game.”
“When the guest speaker failed to arrive, the professor gave an impromptu lecture on her recent research.”
“The jazz musicians engaged in an impromptu jam session that lasted until dawn, showcasing their ability to harmonize without a written score or prior rehearsal.”
Examples
simple
“The team held an impromptu celebration after winning the game.”
contextual
“When the guest speaker failed to arrive, the professor gave an impromptu lecture on her recent research.”
complex
“The jazz musicians engaged in an impromptu jam session that lasted until dawn, showcasing their ability to harmonize without a written score or prior rehearsal.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; can also follow linking verbs like 'be' or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“He takes me on an impromptu tour, showing me the living room that held Mouly’s huge, 1,000lb Multilith printing press, until they had a toddler and it became too dangerous to keep.” “She looks mischievous when she thinks about the impromptu party, but declines to go into detail about what, exactly, went on.” Etymology
Borrowed from French impromptu.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/impromptu