Word
impulsively
Phoneticsim·pul·sive·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpəɫsɪvɫi/
UK/ɪmpˈʌlsɪvli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. doing something quickly without stopping to think first. You do it because you feel like it right now.
adv. without forethought or deliberation, driven by sudden impulse rather than reasoned planning. Often describes hasty decisions, remarks, or purchases made on the spur of the moment.
Examples
“She buys clothes impulsively when she feels stressed.”
“He quits his job impulsively after an argument with his manager and regrets it the next morning.”
“She accepts the overseas posting impulsively, drawn by the promise of adventure, only to confront the quiet cost of a decision made without weighing its long-term consequences.”
Examples
simple
“She buys clothes impulsively when she feels stressed.”
contextual
“He quits his job impulsively after an argument with his manager and regrets it the next morning.”
complex
“She accepts the overseas posting impulsively, drawn by the promise of adventure, only to confront the quiet cost of a decision made without weighing its long-term consequences.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “impulsively” in context.
Verb
01. act impulsively
“She acted impulsively and booked a flight to Rome that same evening.”
verb + adverb
02. behave impulsively
“Teenagers often behave impulsively when they are with their friends.”
verb + adverb
03. buy impulsively
“I tend to buy impulsively when I shop online late at night.”
verb + adverb
04. decide impulsively
“They decided impulsively to get married after only a month.”
verb + adverb
05. react impulsively
“Try not to react impulsively when you get critical feedback at work.”
verb + adverb
06. speak impulsively
“He spoke impulsively during the meeting and later apologized.”
verb + adverb
07. spend impulsively
“She spent impulsively on clothes she never wore.”
verb + adverb
08. act impulsively without thinking
“He acted impulsively without thinking and quit his job on the spot.”
09. buy something impulsively online
“I bought something impulsively online and returned it the next day.”
10. decide impulsively in the moment
“We decided impulsively in the moment to drive to the coast.”
11. react impulsively under pressure
“Even calm people can react impulsively under pressure.”
12. speak impulsively and regret it
“She spoke impulsively and regretted it as soon as the words came out.”
Usage
Typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause.
Pitfall
He acted impulsive
He acted impulsively
Learners use the adjective 'impulsive' where the adverb 'impulsively' is required to modify the verb.
Etymology
From impulsive + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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