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Extemporaneous

Done without prior preparation; improvised or spur-of-the-moment.

adjective

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Imagine This

The ex-temporary secretary, Ms. Messy, was asked not to come back to the office again because she usually did things without planning and made a lot of silly mistakes.

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Sounds Like

ek-STEM-puh-RAY-nee-uhs

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Looks Like

ex-temporary

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Remember This

Temporary personnel agencies are becoming popular to help companies fill office positions on a temporary basis. The main drawback of hiring a temporary office worker is that they typically lack experience and commitment.

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Other Forms

extemporizeverb

extemporizationnoun

extemporaneousnessnoun

extemporaneouslyadverb

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Connect With

impromptu, ad-lib, spontaneous, improvised, unscripted

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Note

Extemporaneous refers to speaking or performing without preparation. For formal writing, prefer 'impromptu' or 'unrehearsed' depending on context. The adverb is 'extemporaneously'.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The coach gave an extemporaneous pep talk after the game, speaking off the cuff about the team's performance.
During the interview, she delivered an extemporaneous response that surprised the judges with its insight.

Synonyms

improvisedunrehearsedunscriptedimpromptuad-libbed

Antonyms

rehearsedpreplannedscripted

Etymology

From Latin ex tempore meaning 'out of the moment' (ex- = out, tempore = time).

Mnemonic

Mnemonic: EX-TEMP means 'out of time' — extemporaneous actions are done on the spot, without time to rehearse.

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Extol

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Expeditious

adjective

Done with speed and efficiency; acting promptly and without delay.

Raucous

adjective

Making or constituting a loud, harsh, and boisterous noise; unruly and disruptive.

Moderate

adjective

Not extreme or excessive; in the middle in degree or intensity; prudent and balanced.

Similar Words

Related words and words with the same part of speech.

Spontaneous

adjective

Produced by a sudden inner impulse or without premeditation; happening naturally and unplanned; arising from within rather than being forced from without.