impulsive
ihm-PUHL-sihv
Impulsive (adj) means acting suddenly on urges or feelings, without thinking things through first. Example: “His impulsive decision to buy the car surprised everyone.”
adj
1
Acting suddenly on urges or feelings, without thinking things through first.
"His impulsive decision to buy the car surprised everyone."
"She's known for being impulsive, always changing plans at the last minute."
How to use impulsive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishQuick to act on a whim, without stopping to think about consequences.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
impulsive decision
impulsive behaviour
impulsive spending
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like impulsive.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- impulsives
- Comparative
- more impulsive
- Superlative
- most impulsive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ decision to buy the car surprised everyone.
Etymology
From Middle French impulsif, from Latin impulsivus.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for impulsive
See all rhymes for impulsive →Frequently asked questions
What does “impulsive” mean?
The word “impulsive” means acting suddenly on urges or feelings, without thinking things through first. In plain terms, quick to act on a whim, without stopping to think about consequences.
How do you pronounce “impulsive”?
“Impulsive” is pronounced ihm-PUHL-sihv (/ɪmˈpʌlsɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “impulsive” in a sentence?
Here is “impulsive” used in a sentence: “His impulsive decision to buy the car surprised everyone.”
What part of speech is “impulsive”?
“Impulsive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “impulsive” come from?
The word “impulsive” comes from Latin. From Middle French impulsif, from Latin impulsivus.
Is “impulsive” a common word?
“Impulsive” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
