extemporaneously
|ex-tem-po-ra-ne-ous-ly|
🇺🇸
/ɪkˌstɛmpəˈreɪniəs/
🇬🇧
/ɪkˌstɛmpəˈreɪnɪəs/
(extemporaneous)
unprepared
Etymology
'extemporaneous' originates from Latin, specifically the phrase 'ex tempore', where 'ex' meant 'out of' and 'tempore' (from 'tempus') meant 'time'.
'extemporaneous' changed from Late Latin 'extemporaneus' (used in Medieval/late Latin) and entered English in the late 17th century (with related forms in French such as 'extemporain' appearing in some contexts).
Initially, it meant 'out of the time' or 'at the moment' (i.e., done at the time); over time it developed the sense 'made or delivered without preparation', which is the current meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
noun form related to the base form: 'extemporaneity' — the quality or state of being extemporaneous; improvisation.
The extemporaneity of his remarks made the speech feel genuine.
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Verb 1
verb form related to the base form: 'extemporize' — to speak or perform without preparation; to improvise.
When the presenter was absent, she had to extemporize for twenty minutes.
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Adverb 1
in a manner done or spoken without prior preparation; spontaneously; impromptu.
She answered the reporters' questions extemporaneously and handled the difficult topics well.
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Last updated: 2025/12/13 01:57