adj
impetuous
eem-PEHT-shoo-uhs
Impetuous (adj) means acting suddenly and without careful thought, often forcefully. Example: “His impetuous decision to quit cost him the promotion.”
adj
1
Acting suddenly and without careful thought, often forcefully.
"His impetuous decision to quit cost him the promotion."
"As a young man he was impetuous and quick to anger."
How to use impetuous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishActing on impulse, without stopping to think things through.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
impetuous behaviour
an impetuous youth
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more impetuous
- Superlative
- most impetuous
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His _____ decision to quit cost him the promotion.
Etymology
From Late Latin impetuosus ("violent"), from Latin impetus ("attack, force").
Related words
Rhymes for impetuous
See all rhymes for impetuous →Frequently asked questions
What does “impetuous” mean?
The word “impetuous” means acting suddenly and without careful thought, often forcefully. In plain terms, acting on impulse, without stopping to think things through.
How do you pronounce “impetuous”?
“Impetuous” is pronounced eem-PEHT-shoo-uhs (/imˈpɛt͡ʃuəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “impetuous” in a sentence?
Here is “impetuous” used in a sentence: “His impetuous decision to quit cost him the promotion.”
What is another word for “impetuous”?
Words with a similar meaning to “impetuous” include impulsive, hasty, rash, hotheaded and heady.
What part of speech is “impetuous”?
“Impetuous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “impetuous” come from?
The word “impetuous” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin impetuosus ("violent"), from Latin impetus ("attack, force").
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