# spontaneously

/spɑnˈteɪniəsɫi/ (US) · /spɒntˈeɪniəsli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spontaneously
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

to do something suddenly because you want to, without planning it first. It describes an action that happens naturally on its own.

For teachers: occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation. Often describes natural processes that occur without external influence.

## Examples

- The crowd spontaneously started to cheer.
- After the performance ended, the audience spontaneously rose for a standing ovation despite no one leading the applause.
- In certain chemical environments, the compound may spontaneously ignite when exposed to oxygen, requiring researchers to handle the substance within a strictly controlled vacuum.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He did it spontaneous" but "He did it spontaneously" — Learners often use the adjective form 'spontaneous' when the adverbial form is required to modify a verb.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of a clause to describe how an action occurs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.