Langimage
English

spur-of-the-moment

|spur/of/the/mo/ment|

B2

🇺🇸

/spɜr əv ðə ˈmoʊmənt/

🇬🇧

/spɜːr əv ðə ˈməʊmənt/

impulsive action

Etymology
Etymology Information

'spur-of-the-moment' originates from the phrase 'spur of the moment,' where 'spur' refers to a sudden urge or impulse.

Historical Evolution

The phrase 'spur of the moment' has been used in English since the 18th century to describe actions taken on impulse.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'an action taken on impulse,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

done or occurring without any prior planning or thought; impulsive.

It was a spur-of-the-moment decision to go to the beach.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40