impromptu
/ɪmˈprɒmp.tʃuː/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪmˈprɑːmp.tuː/ (ame, ipa) · /im-ˈpräm(p)-(ˌ)tü -(ˌ)tyü/ (ame, mw) · /ɪmˈprɒmptjuː/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪmˈprɑːmptuː/ (ame, ipa)
impromptu — adjective
- impromptupositive
- more impromptucomparative
- most impromptusuperlative
1. happening or created on the spot with no advance plan, often in response to the
happening or created on the spot with no advance plan, often in response to the moment.
Yumi gave an impromptu speech at her grandmother's birthday dinner.
attributive: impromptu + speech
Chidi organised an impromptu football match in the park after lunch.
collocation: impromptu match / meeting / gathering
The teacher held an impromptu quiz when the projector stopped working.
Heloísa's question turned the seminar into an impromptu group discussion.
Marco hosted an impromptu dinner for the neighbours who helped fix his roof.
- spontaneous
broader — covers feelings and actions; impromptu is more about prepared-versus-unprepared events.
- improvised
stresses making something up as you go; impromptu stresses lack of advance planning.
- off-the-cuff
informal; mainly for spoken remarks.
- extemporaneous
formal; mostly for speeches or musical performances.
文法句型
impromptu + noun
be + impromptu
用法筆記
Usually attributive (before a noun naming an event, speech, or gathering). When predicative, the subject is typically a specific event rather than a person.
常見錯誤
impromptu — adverb
1. in a way that has not been arranged or rehearsed beforehand; right at the moment
in a way that has not been arranged or rehearsed beforehand; right at the moment something is needed.
Arjun spoke impromptu after the host suddenly handed him the microphone.
verb + impromptu (speak / sing / perform)
The jazz trio played impromptu for nearly an hour in the cafe.
collocation: play / perform impromptu
Ezra answered impromptu when a student asked about the exam date.
Mert was asked to translate impromptu during the visiting professor's talk.
- spontaneously
broader; covers feelings as well as actions.
- extemporaneously
formal; mostly speech or music.
- off the cuff
informal; mainly for spoken remarks.
文法句型
verb + impromptu
用法筆記
Much rarer than the adjective; in everyday English, speakers prefer phrases like 'off the cuff' or 'on the spot'. Typically follows verbs of speaking, performing, or translating.
常見錯誤
impromptu — noun
1. a speech, comment, or performance that someone produces on the spot, without pre
a speech, comment, or performance that someone produces on the spot, without preparing it in advance.
Christopher's wedding toast was a charming impromptu that made the room laugh.
collocation: a charming / clever impromptu
The host's closing impromptu thanked every volunteer by name.
Amihan's classroom impromptu about kindness moved many of the students.
Eric delivered a brief impromptu when the scheduled speaker failed to arrive.
- ad-lib
informal; usually for actors or speakers adding lines on the spot.
- extemporisation
formal; same act, but stresses making it up as you go.
文法句型
an impromptu
deliver an impromptu
用法筆記
Formal and uncommon in modern usage; most speakers say 'an off-the-cuff speech' or 'a few impromptu remarks' instead. Distinguish from sense 2 (a musical piece) by the context of speaking or commenting.
常見錯誤
2. a short solo piece, usually for piano, written in a free style that sounds as if
a short solo piece, usually for piano, written in a free style that sounds as if the composer made it up at the keyboard.
Élise performed a Schubert impromptu at her graduation recital.
scenario: classical piano repertoire
Kevin chose a gentle Chopin impromptu to open the evening concert.
collocation: [composer] + impromptu
Mayumi's first composition was a short impromptu for solo piano.
The pianist closed the programme with a stirring impromptu by Fauré.
文法句型
an impromptu
an impromptu by [composer]
用法筆記
A formal music term, mostly seen in classical concert programmes. Distinguish from sense 1 by the musical context — speakers always pair the noun with a composer's name or instrument.