impromptu

Everyday

1. Done or made without planning or practice, on the spur of the moment: «an impromptu speech». tree →
2. (noun, music) A short piece of music written to sound as if it were made up on the spot. tree →

In the lessons

In school: an impromptu talk is one you give without preparing; drama classes use impromptu acting (improvisation). In The Wind in the Willows Toad bursts into impromptu songs about himself. Phrases: «an impromptu party», «an impromptu performance».

Examples

• We had an impromptu picnic in the park. tree →
• The class gave an impromptu concert for the head teacher. tree →
• Toad sang an impromptu song all about his own cleverness. tree →
• The teacher asked me to give an impromptu speech. tree →
• Schubert wrote famous impromptus for piano. tree →
• The street musician gave an impromptu show. tree →

Note

Said «im-PROMP-tyoo». Comes from Latin «in promptu» (in readiness). Close words: improvised, spontaneous, off the cuff.