Extemporaneous
/ɪkˌstɛmpəˈreɪniəs/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Extemporaneous describes something, usually a speech or performance, that is made or done without any preparation or practice. It means acting or speaking on the spot, using your knowledge and ideas without reading from notes or memorizing.
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See It in Action
Spoken or done without preparation
- •She gave an extemporaneous speech that impressed everyone.
- •The teacher asked him to make an extemporaneous comment about the book.
- •His extemporaneous answers showed his deep knowledge of the subject.
Made or delivered on the spot, often in a performance or presentation
- •The actor's extemporaneous lines made the scene feel real.
- •They performed an extemporaneous song during the concert.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "extemporaneous" like "free" or "off the top of your head" (A2 words), but more formal and about speaking or acting without planning
- ✓Picture a person giving a talk without notes, speaking naturally and quickly like a conversation with friends
- ✓It's the feeling when you suddenly answer a question in class without thinking too long, using what you already know
- ✓Sounds like "ex-tem-po-RAIN-ee-us" → imagine rain falling suddenly and naturally, without warning or planning, just like the speech comes naturally
- ✓Think of a comedian telling jokes without a script, making up funny stories on the spot
- ✓NOT like "prepared" (planned and practiced beforehand), extemporaneous is spontaneous and immediate
- ✓NOT like "memorized" (learned by heart), extemporaneous is made up in the moment
- ✓NOT like "reading" (using written text), extemporaneous is speaking freely without notes
Try Other Words
- •Impromptu: done without planning or preparation (Use when the situation is informal or casual)
- •Unplanned: not prepared in advance (Use when emphasizing lack of preparation)
- •Spontaneous: done naturally without thinking first (Use when focusing on natural, sudden action)
- •Off-the-cuff: spoken without preparation, informal (Use for casual speech or remarks)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "ex-" (out of) + "tempor" (time) + "-aneous" (adjective suffix meaning "related to")
- •Etymology: From Latin "ex tempore" meaning "out of time" or "at the moment"
- •Historical development: Originally meant something done at the exact time without preparation; later used for speeches or performances made on the spot
- •Modern usage: Used to describe speeches, performances, or actions done without notes or planning, often praised for naturalness and skill
Reflect & Connect
•How can being extemporaneous help or hurt someone in a public speaking situation?
•Can you think of a time when you had to be extemporaneous? How did it feel?
Fill in the blanks
1.She gave an extemporaneous speech because she had no ___ prepared before the event.
2.When a speaker is extemporaneous, they usually speak ___ from notes or a script.
3.Unlike a memorized speech, an extemporaneous one feels more ___ and natural.
4.The actor’s extemporaneous line added ___ to the scene that was not in the script.
5.People often feel nervous when asked to speak extemporaneously because of the lack of ___.
6.An extemporaneous performance is often praised for its ___ and freshness.
7.When someone speaks extemporaneously, they rely on their ___ and quick thinking.