Extemporaneousness: meaning, definitions and examples
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extemporaneousness
[ ɪkˌstɛmpəˈreɪniəsnəs ]
spontaneous behavior
Extemporaneousness refers to the quality of being unprepared or delivered without prior planning or rehearsal. It encompasses actions, speeches, or performances that are performed on the spur of the moment, often characterized by a degree of spontaneity.
Synonyms
improvisation, spontaneity, unpreparedness.
Examples of usage
- The comedy show relied on the performers' extemporaneousness to generate laughs.
- Her extemporaneousness in the debate impressed the judges.
- The musician's extemporaneousness added a unique flavor to the performance.
Etymology
The word 'extemporaneousness' is derived from the Latin word 'extemporaneus', which means 'improvised' or 'offhand'. It consists of 'ex-' meaning 'out of' or 'from' and 'temporaneus' meaning 'of time'. The evolution of the term has been influenced by both Latin and English lexical developments. The adjective 'extemporaneous' emerged in the English language during the late 19th century, capturing the essence of actions taken without preparation. Over time, 'extemporaneousness' evolved to encapsulate the noun form, emphasizing the condition or state of being spontaneous or unplanned. This word is often used in contexts of speech, writing, and performance, where the element of surprise and impromptu creativity plays a crucial role, highlighting its significance in both artistic and communicative expressions.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,471, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.