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extemporaneous
/ɛkˌstɛm.pəˈreɪ.ni.əs/
spoken or done without preparation
The professor gave an extemporaneous speech when the scheduled speaker canceled.
The speech was delivered without prior preparation.
formal
Spoken or performed without preparation or rehearsal; improvised.
She delivered an extemporaneous toast at the wedding.
The toast was given without prior planning.
The actor's extemporaneous response to the audience's question impressed everyone.
The actor answered the question spontaneously.
Often used in academic, public speaking, or performance contexts to describe unscripted or unrehearsed delivery.
formal
Done without advance planning; improvised.
The team made an extemporaneous decision to change the project timeline.
The decision was made without prior discussion.
Can also describe actions or decisions made on the spur of the moment.
Collocations
extemporaneous speecha speech given without preparationextemporaneous performancea performance done without rehearsalextemporaneous remarkscomments made without prior planning
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'extemporaneous' vs. 'extemporize'
'Extemporaneous' is the adjective describing something done without preparation (e.g., an extemporaneous speech). 'Extemporize' is the verb meaning to perform or speak without preparation (e.g., 'She extemporized a brilliant answer.').
Gold Rule
Use 'extemporaneous' for formal contexts
While 'spontaneous' can be used in casual settings, 'extemporaneous' is preferred in academic, professional, or formal contexts to emphasize the lack of preparation.
Not synonymous with 'unplanned'
'Extemporaneous' implies a lack of preparation, not necessarily a lack of planning. An extemporaneous speech may still be carefully crafted in the moment, whereas an 'unplanned' action might be entirely random.
Word Origin
From Latin *extemporaneus* (from *ex tempore* meaning 'out of the time'), combining *ex-* (out of) and *tempus* (time). The term entered English in the 17th century, originally in a legal context referring to arguments made without prior preparation.
Usage Notes
Extemporaneous is often confused with 'extemporary' (which is synonymous) or 'extempore' (an adverb meaning the same). 'Extemporaneous' is the more common adjective form in modern usage. It is typically used to describe verbal or performative acts rather than physical actions.
Word Breakdown
ex-
out of
prefixtempus
time
root-aneous
pertaining to
suffixEnglish Dictionary