English vocabulary · C2
Impetuous
/ɪmˈpetʃuəs/ · adj.
An impetuous person acts fast without thinking about what may happen. They choose at once and may wish they had waited longer.
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Example sentences
- An impetuous buyer paid at once.
- An impetuous kiss surprised me.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- im — into (from Latin)
- pet — rush (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- RASH — taking risks without thought (Without enough care)
- HASTY — done too soon (Too quick)
- RECKLESS — not caring about danger (Without care for risk)
Words with the same root
pet — rush
- impetus — a force that starts action
Lesson notes
An impetuous person acts fast without thinking about what may happen. They choose at once and may wish they had waited longer.
Related: rash, hasty, reckless. Use impetuous when you rush.
An impetuous buyer paid at once. An impetuous kiss surprised me.
From Latin. im- means into. pet- means rush. Rush into a choice, and you seem impetuous.