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impromptu

Adjective

IPA /ɪmˈprɒmptjuː/

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Meaning in plain English

Done or arranged without advance planning, usually because an opportunity or need appears suddenly in the moment.

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Pronunciation

impromptu/ɪmˈprɒmptjuː/

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The rain stops unexpectedly
Friends decide to eat outside now
A picnic happens without advance planning

An impromptu picnic is arranged spontaneously in the moment.

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We held an impromptu picnic when the rain finally stopped.
The visiting scientist gave an impromptu talk after our scheduled speaker cancelled.

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We held an ________ picnic when the rain finally stopped.

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impromptu — Done or arranged without advance planning, usually because an opportunity or need appears suddenly in the moment.

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Done or arranged without advance planning, usually because an opportunity or need appears suddenly in the moment.

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Word origin

From French, ultimately Latin in promptu, meaning in readiness.

Did you know?

Impromptu also works as an adverb, as in speak impromptu; this entry uses the adjective.

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