spontaneous
spon-TAY-nee-uhs
Spontaneous (adj) means happening or done without planning, on impulse. Example: “They decided on a spontaneous weekend trip to the coast.”
adj
1
Happening or done without planning, on impulse.
"They decided on a spontaneous weekend trip to the coast."
"Her laugh was spontaneous, not forced."
"It was a spontaneous decision to adopt the puppy, made right there in the shop."
2
Occurring naturally, without external cause or human intervention.
"The fire started from spontaneous combustion in the hay bales."
"Scientists studied how the crystals formed through spontaneous reactions with no outside help."
"Spontaneous recovery is rare, but doctors do sometimes see an illness vanish unaided."
How to use spontaneous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUnplanned, natural, done on the spur of the moment.
Common pairings
spontaneous decision
spontaneous combustion
spontaneous applause
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more spontaneous
- Superlative
- most spontaneous
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They decided on a _____ weekend trip to the coast.
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Late Latin spontaneus, "voluntary" — from sponte, "of one's own accord."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for spontaneous
See all rhymes for spontaneous →Frequently asked questions
What does “spontaneous” mean?
The word “spontaneous” means happening or done without planning, on impulse. In plain terms, unplanned, natural, done on the spur of the moment.
How do you pronounce “spontaneous”?
“Spontaneous” is pronounced spon-TAY-nee-uhs (/spɑnˈteɪ.ni.əs/ in IPA).
How do you use “spontaneous” in a sentence?
Here is “spontaneous” used in a sentence: “They decided on a spontaneous weekend trip to the coast.”
What part of speech is “spontaneous”?
“Spontaneous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “spontaneous” come from?
The word “spontaneous” comes from Late Latin. A learned borrowing from Late Latin spontaneus, "voluntary" — from sponte, "of one's own accord.".
Is “spontaneous” a common word?
“Spontaneous” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “spontaneous” have?
“Spontaneous” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: happening or done without planning, on impulse.
What is the difference between "spontaneous" and "impulsive"?
"Spontaneous" describes something happening without planning, often in a positive or lighthearted way, like a spontaneous road trip. "Impulsive" often carries a more negative connotation, suggesting a lack of thought about consequences, such as an impulsive purchase someone regrets. Spontaneous actions can be impulsive, but the word itself is more neutral or even favourable.
What does "spontaneous" mean in a scientific context?
In science, "spontaneous" describes something occurring naturally without external cause or human intervention, such as spontaneous combustion or a spontaneous chemical reaction. This differs from the everyday sense of doing something on impulse. Both meanings share the idea of something happening on its own, without deliberate outside triggering.
Can a person be described as "spontaneous"?
Yes, calling someone "spontaneous" usually means they are prone to acting on impulse or making unplanned decisions, often seen as a positive trait linked to fun or adventurousness. It contrasts with being highly organized or predictable. This usage draws on the first sense of the word, about acting without planning.
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