impetuous

USAGE SUMMARY

'impetuous' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is acting or speaking without thinking or considering the consequences. For example, "He was so impetuous that he never thought through any of his decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was macho in a man's world, determined to work men under the table; fierce in argument, asking no quarter and giving none; in the back row when tact was handed out; impetuous; secretive; inspirational, and utterly dedicated, with a constitution as tough as old boots.

The Guardian

Another issue for Salman will be managing Saudi relations with the US, the source of disappointment in Riyadh and impetuous moves by Abdullah in the last year after Obama sought to negotiate a nuclear deal and a wider rapprochement with Iran as well as failing to act militarily against the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, whose overthrow the Saudis are still seeking.

The Guardian

Mozart in the Jungle Amazon Prime Instant Video Gael García Bernal stars as the impetuous composer in this quirky comedy from Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman.

The Guardian

While radical Tories are not quite as impetuous as radical Republicans, there is still a vein of zealotry there that warrants the comparison.

The Guardian

On the other hand, what if Israel does launch an impetuous attack, in defiance of Mr Obama's plea for time?

The Economist

Impetuous at times, he is deeply distrusted by a chunk of the Socialist left wing, particularly after his hard line over evicting illegal Roma.

The Economist

The blowing up of four power stations belonging to the Creole Petroleum Corporation in Venezuela (an impetuous act of destruction that recalls Syria's reaction to the Suez Canal crisis) was a major incident, but not an isolated one.

The Economist

But foul-mouthed, impetuous George W. was also his own man, and Texas was his place.

The Economist

On March 16th America's Federal Reserve, by nature hardly impetuous, rewrote its rule-book by rescuing Bear Stearns, the country's fifth-largest investment bank, and agreeing to lend directly to other brokers.

The Economist

The Brotherhood's rise through the ballot box and civil action marks a hope that Islamism's reform-minded mainstream might yet prevail over the impetuous and increasingly abortive rush to arms that has characterised revolutionary Islamist groups, from the assassination of Egypt's leader Anwar Sadat in 1981 to al-Qaeda today.

The Economist

Unlike Milosevic, Georgia's Mikheil Saakashvili is a democratically elected president who will surely be held to account by voters for his impetuous decision to invade South Ossetia on August 7th.Motive provides an even clearer difference.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impetuous", consider the degree of impulsivity you wish to convey; it suggests a forceful and often sudden action, so ensure it aligns with the context.

Common error

Avoid using "impetuous" when you mean to describe someone who is simply enthusiastic or passionate; "impetuous" carries a connotation of recklessness or lack of forethought, which is distinct from genuine excitement.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "impetuous" primarily functions to describe a noun, typically a person or action, indicating a tendency to act suddenly and without careful consideration. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing people's decisions and behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "impetuous" describes actions or decisions characterized by impulsivity and a lack of careful thought. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While synonyms like "impulsive" and "rash" exist, "impetuous" suggests a forceful and often sudden action. Be mindful of this nuance to avoid misrepresenting simple enthusiasm as recklessness. Ludwig's examples demonstrate that authoritative sources such as The Economist and Encyclopedia Britannica frequently employ this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impulsive

Focuses on acting on sudden urges or desires.

rash

Emphasizes acting with excessive haste and a lack of caution.

hasty

Highlights the speed and lack of deliberation in the action.

thoughtless

Underscores the absence of careful thinking or consideration.

reckless

Implies a disregard for potential dangers or consequences.

spontaneous

Describes actions that arise naturally and without planning.

precipitate

Suggests actions that are hurried or premature.

headstrong

Emphasizes stubbornness and a tendency to follow one's own inclinations.

unguarded

Implies a lack of restraint or caution in speech or action.

brash

Suggests boldness and a lack of tact or discretion.

FAQs

How can I use "impetuous" in a sentence?

You can use "impetuous" to describe someone who acts quickly and without thinking. For example, "His "impetuous" decision led to unexpected consequences."

What are some synonyms for "impetuous"?

Some synonyms for "impetuous" include "impulsive", "rash", and "hasty". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits the context.

Is it better to be "impetuous" or cautious?

Whether it's better to be "impetuous" or cautious depends on the situation. Machiavelli suggests that fortune favors the "impetuous", but generally, a balance between the two is ideal.

What is the difference between "impetuous" and "spontaneous"?

"Impetuous" implies a lack of careful thought, while "spontaneous" suggests actions that arise naturally and without planning, but not necessarily recklessly.