Impromptu
/ɪmˈprɒmptuː/
Definitions
3 meaningsDone or said without previous preparation; spontaneous.
/ɪmˈprɒmptuː/
Done without preparation.
The singer gave an impromptu performance after the scheduled act cancelled.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a party, and someone asks you to sing a song on the spot. If you sing without any practice, that's impromptu! It means you're doing something without planning it beforehand.
👶 For kids: Doing something without planning or getting ready.
More Examples
We had an impromptu picnic in the park because the weather was so nice.
The comedian did an impromptu routine based on suggestions from the audience.
How It's Used
"She gave an impromptu speech."
"He played an impromptu solo on the piano."
A short musical or dramatic performance or piece, especially one performed without preparation; something done or said without preparation.
/ɪmˈprɒmptuː/
A short performance or piece that is done or created without preparation.
The pianist played an impromptu during the encore.
💡 Simply: Imagine a surprise dance you do at a party or a quick song you make up on the spot. That's an impromptu – a little performance you didn't plan.
👶 For kids: A thing you do or make without getting ready.
More Examples
The comedian's act included several impromptus from the audience.
The actors prepared several impromptus to use during the play.
How It's Used
"The concert featured several impromptus by Chopin."
"The actors engaged in an impromptu scene to test their improvisational skills."
Without preparation; offhand.
/ɪmˈprɒmptuː/
Without preparation.
She answered the question impromptu.
💡 Simply: It's like doing something without planning it. Imagine answering questions in class without any preparation.
👶 For kids: Doing things without thinking or getting ready.
More Examples
The actor performed the scene impromptu.
The singer gave an impromptu performance.
How It's Used
"He spoke impromptu at the meeting."
"The poet composed the lyrics impromptu."
Idioms & expressions
give an impromptu
To deliver something spontaneous
"The speaker gave an impromptu speech about current events."
From French *impromptu*, derived from *in promptu* (Latin), meaning "in readiness" or "offhand".
The word gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in artistic and literary contexts, often referring to musical compositions or spontaneous theatrical events.
Memory tip
Think of an 'in-prompt'-u situation where you need to react quickly.