Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for impetuous

impetuous

[ im-pech-oo-uhs ]

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or characterized by sudden or rash action, emotion, etc.; impulsive:

    an impetuous decision; an impetuous person.

    Synonyms: headlong, eager

    Antonyms: careful, planned

  2. having great impetus; moving with great force; violent:

    the impetuous winds.



impetuous

/ ɪmˌpɛtjʊˈɒsɪtɪ; ɪmˈpɛtjʊəs /

adjective

  1. liable to act without consideration; rash; impulsive
  2. resulting from or characterized by rashness or haste
  3. poetic.
    moving with great force or violence; rushing

    the impetuous stream hurtled down the valley



Discover More

Derived Forms

  • imˈpetuousness, noun
  • imˈpetuously, adverb

Discover More

Other Words From

  • im·petu·ous·ly adverb
  • im·petu·ous·ness noun

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of impetuous1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin impetuōsus, equivalent to Latin impetu(s) “an attack” + -ōsus adjective suffix; impetus, -ous

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of impetuous1

C14: from Late Latin impetuōsus violent; see impetus

Discover More

Synonym Study

Impetuous, impulsive both refer to persons who are hasty and precipitate in action, or to actions not preceded by thought. Impetuous suggests eagerness, violence, rashness: impetuous vivacity; impetuous desire; impetuous words. Impulsive emphasizes spontaneity and lack of reflection: an impulsive act of generosity.

Discover More

Example Sentences

You see where you were more impetuous, where you might have overreacted to certain things.

The old Kaiser Franz Joseph, faithful and hardworking, was the obverse of the feckless and impetuous German kaiser.

Zakir is a fearless and impetuous fighter, a former Guantanamo prisoner who earned a reputation for brutality on the battlefield.

Referring to his numerous divorces, he writes, "I was young, impetuous, and lonely."

It was a kind of incredible performance, half on earth and half in the air: it rushed with such impetuous momentum.

"You have been placed under arrest by order of the Ministry," replied Bézard, speaking in his quick, impetuous way.

Oh, those Camford conversations—how impetuous, how interesting, how thoroughly hearty and unconventional they were!

A rush of impetuous words followed by the collapse of his father's form upon the pillow showed that the examination was over.

It was an exciting moment as that great bulk came on, its tons of sodden wood backed by the impetuous forces of the torrent.

Advertisement

Related Words

Word of the Day

axolotl

[ak-suh-lot-l ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


impetuosityimpetus