impromptu vs extempore

Both 'impromptu' and 'extempore' are correct and interchangeable terms that mean 'done without preparation.' They are both commonly used in English, with 'impromptu' being more widely recognized. The choice between the two may depend on personal preference or regional variations.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1055 views

impromptu

The term 'impromptu' is correct and commonly used in English to describe something done without preparation.

The term 'impromptu' is used to describe something that is done without preparation or planning, often referring to a speech, performance, or event.

Examples:

She gave an impromptu speech at the conference.
They decided to have an impromptu picnic in the park.
He played an impromptu piece on the piano.
The impromptu meeting was called to address the urgent issue.
The impromptu dance performance wowed the audience.

Show examples from the web [+]

Your part in this little impromptu mission is over.
So we decided to take an impromptu holiday and...
...and an impromptu dance routine from former scientist Reed Richards.
It's kind of an impromptu road trip I'm on.
I hope you don't mind our impromptu bacchanal.
I'm talking about your impromptu crew meeting.
I don't know. It's just an impromptu gathering.
As a sort of impromptu off-season carnival.
We're having an impromptu reception for the arriving delegates.
Especially after my impromptu visit from Tyrell Wellick last night.
This was an impromptu conversation inside of a television studio, not a confessional.
I put together an impromptu press conference with a mobile unit from Casper.
The Japanese foreign minister is still rightfully upset about Skip's impromptu kabuki performance of Pulp Fiction.
There's a ton of neighbors coming to this impromptu nighttime barbecue.
Just wanted to make a little impromptu tribute to Miriam Abramson for pulling off this incredible night.
Thank you for that impromptu dinner.
This is the worst impromptu bachelor party while on case ever.
There was that time you took Jack on that impromptu weekend to Orlando.
What better place for an impromptu honeymoon?
It was time for an impromptu college tour.

Alternatives:

on the spur of the moment
without prior preparation
off-the-cuff
ad-lib
unrehearsed

extempore

The term 'extempore' is correct and commonly used in English to describe something done without preparation, although it may be less common than 'impromptu.'

The term 'extempore' is used to describe something that is done without preparation or planning, similar to 'impromptu.' It is often used in formal contexts or in British English.