Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors. 2013.
extempore, impromptu — Although both words describe unrehearsed remarks or performances, their meanings are slightly different, in that impromptu can apply only to acts that are improvised at the time of performance, whereas extempore suggests only that the actions… … Dictionary of troublesome word
extempore, impromptu — Although both words describe unrehearsed remarks or performances, their meanings are slightly different, in that impromptu can apply only to acts that are improvised at the time of performance, whereas extempore suggests only that the actions… … Dictionary of troublesome word
Impromptu — Im*promp tu, adv. or a. [F. impromptu, fr. L. in promptu in readiness, at hand; in in + promptus visibility, readiness, from promptus visible, ready. See {Prompt}.] Offhand; without previous study; extemporaneous; extempore; as, an impromptu… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
impromptu — [im prämp′to͞o΄] adj., adv. [Fr < L in promptu, in readiness < in, in + promptu, abl. of promptus, readiness < promptus, brought out, ready, PROMPT] without preparation or advance thought; offhand n. an impromptu speech, performance, etc … English World dictionary
extempore — [ek stem′pə rē, ikstem′pə rē] adv., adj. [L, lit., out of the time < ex , from, out of + tempore, abl. of tempus, time: see TEMPER] without preparation; offhand [a speech given extempore] SYN. IMPROMPTU … English World dictionary
extempore — pronounced as four syllables, means ‘spoken or done without preparation’, and can be used as an adverb or an adjective. It is preferable to the cumbersome alternatives extemporaneous(ly) and extemporary / extemporarily. Impromptu, which is over… … Modern English usage
Impromptu — Im*promp tu, n. 1. Something made or done offhand, at the moment, or without previous study; an extemporaneous composition, address, or remark. [1913 Webster] 2. (Mus.) A piece composed or played at first thought; a composition in the style of an … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
impromptu — unpremeditated, offhand, improvised, *extemporaneous, extempore, extemporary Analogous words: *spontaneous, impulsive: ready, prompt, *quick, apt Contrasted words: considered, premeditated, *deliberate, studied, designed, advised: finished, * … New Dictionary of Synonyms
impromptu — as a noun meaning ‘an extempore speech or performance’ or ‘a short piece of instrumental music’, has the plural form impromptus … Modern English usage
impromptu — [adj/adv] unrehearsed, improvised ad lib*, dashed off, extemporaneous, extempore, extemporized, fake, faked, improv*, improviso, offhand, off the cuff*, played by ear*, shot from the hip*, spontaneous, spur of the moment, thrown off*, tossed off* … New thesaurus
