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impetuous

impetuous

14 8.0
To act quickly without thinking about the results
  • adjective
  • /ɪmˈpɛtʃuəs/
translation icon : impulsivo
  • He made an impetuous decision to quit his job without having another one lined up.

I sometimes think you're immature, impetuous, blurring the lines too much.

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Examples

  • "Oh yes," said Queen Savet, "you've been an impetuous child from the day you were born."

    Fiction book (1995)
  • In an impetuous moment, she yelled at her friend during the argument.

  • A very impetuous act by the boy.

  • What an impetuous young man.

  • You are sometimes too impetuous--

  • You are not as impetuous as you used to be, Morris.

  • A foolish, impetuous gesture that would probably get them both killed.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Well, for your own financial good, I wouldn't be too impetuous, gentlemen.

  • Even the best-behaved children, including his son, are naturally curious and impetuous, with fatal consequences.

    Blog text (31)
  • Oh, you mustn't mind him, he's so impetuous.

Synonyms

reckless
vsimpetuous
193 3.6

Acting without care about danger or the results

is about speed and lack of thought rather than deliberate danger disregard
impulsive
vsimpetuous
78 4.4

Acting suddenly without careful thought because of a strong feeling

is quick action without careful thought not emphasizing emotional motive
hasty
vsimpetuous
63 3.9

Acting quickly without much thought or care

is about sudden personal action rather than things made quickly
imprudent
vsimpetuous
9 7.6

Acting without care or good sense

is about quick action without careful thought rather than general unwise conduct
madcap
vsimpetuous
  • Informal
4 7.7

Acting quickly without thinking and often doing risky things

is about quick action without thought rather than highlighting risky behaviour
rash
vsimpetuous
3 4.3

Acting without careful thought and likely to cause problems

is about quick action lacking thought rather than focusing on consequences
brainish
vsimpetuous
1 9.9

Acting quickly without thinking

is focused on quick action without careful consideration rather than foolishness
hurried
vsimpetuous
3.4

Done quickly without careful thought

is about sudden unthinking action rather than being forced by urgency
rushed
vsimpetuous
1.8

Made quickly without enough care because there is little time

is about immediate acting without thought rather than being pushed by time pressure

Antonyms

210 2.9

Careful to avoid risk or mistakes

How Impetuous

foolhardy
16 7.4
reckless
193 3.6
rash
3 4.3
impetuous
14 8.0
hasty
63 3.9

Surface Forms

impetuous positive
impetuouser comparative
impetuousest superlative

Morphology

impetuous = impetus (semi-transparent) = impetus + ous

The adjective is formed from 'impetus' + '-ous'; while the connection to force/urge is detectable, the common sense 'acting without careful thought' has shifted toward 'impulsive' and may not be directly inferable by learners.

Etymology

Impetuous comes from the Latin word impetus, built from in- 'into' and petere 'to rush'. So, to be impetuous is to act on a sudden 'rush' or impulse without careful thought.