Impulsive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🎢

Add to dictionary

impulsive

[ɪmˈpʌlsɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Acting or done without forethought. Showing behavior characterized by little or no forethought or consideration of the consequences.

Synonyms

hasty, rash, reckless, spontaneous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impulsive	Used when someone acts suddenly without considering the consequences, often driven by emotions. Typically neutral but can imply a lack of careful thought. She made an impulsive decision to buy a new car His impulsive reaction to the surprise was priceless
spontaneous	Refers to actions done naturally and without planning, often in a positive and joyful context. It suggests a sense of freedom and expressiveness. The spontaneous trip to the beach was a lot of fun Her spontaneous laughter was infectious
rash	Implies hurried and unwise actions, often leading to negative consequences. Generally negative, it suggests recklessness and a disregard for potential dangers. Don't make such a rash choice; think it over first Her rash judgment caused unnecessary problems
hasty	Describes actions done quickly and without sufficient thought or preparation. Often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting poor judgment. He made a hasty decision that he later regretted The hasty repair job didn't last long
reckless	Describes behavior that is dangerously careless and without considering the risks. Strongly negative, it implies a severe lack of caution. His reckless driving endangered everyone on the road The company took a reckless gamble on the new product

Examples of usage

He tends to make impulsive decisions without thinking about the consequences.
Her impulsive behavior often leads to regret.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

emotion

Acting or done without control. Showing behavior characterized by sudden and forceful emotion or passion.

Synonyms

impetuous, passionate, spontaneous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impulsive	Describes someone who acts on emotional impulses without thinking about the consequences. It can have a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of self-control. She made an impulsive decision to quit her job without having another one lined up His impulsive buying habits often lead to financial troubles
impetuous	Refers to someone who acts hastily and without thought, often driven by emotion. It usually carries a more negative connotation than 'impulsive,' implying rashness and potential recklessness. He made an impetuous decision to move to another country without considering the consequences Her impetuous actions often got her into trouble
passionate	Describes someone who has strong emotions or enthusiasm for something. It generally has a positive connotation, implying dedication and intense interest. He is passionate about environmental conservation and spends all his free time volunteering Her passionate speech inspired everyone in the room
spontaneous	Refers to actions or decisions made with little or no planning. The term often has a positive connotation, suggesting a carefree, adventurous spirit. They decided on a spontaneous weekend getaway to the mountains Her spontaneous ideas often bring fresh perspective to the team

Examples of usage

She made an impulsive purchase when she saw the sale.
His impulsive outburst startled everyone in the room.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Impulsivity can be a trait where people act on urges, often leading to spontaneous decisions.
Some psychologists link impulsiveness to excitement-seeking behaviors, making it a core aspect of certain personality types.
Children often display impulsive behavior, which is part of normal development as they learn self-control.

Neuroscience

Research shows certain brain areas, like the prefrontal cortex, are involved in decision-making and self-control.
Neurotransmitters like dopamine play a role in impulsive behavior, affecting how we seek rewards.
Studies indicate that high levels of impulsivity can correlate with conditions like ADHD.

Pop Culture

Many characters in movies and books are portrayed as impulsive, using it to create humor or conflict.
In the music industry, some artists are celebrated for their impulsive styles, allowing them to create fresh and spontaneous hits.
Reality shows often highlight impulsive decisions, which can lead to dramatic situations among participants.

Education

Teachers often focus on helping students develop impulse control as a part of self-regulation skills.
Educational settings encourage reflective thinking processes to counter impulsive actions.
Mindfulness practices are increasingly used in classrooms to help students manage impulsive behaviors.

History

Historically, impulsive leaders have made quick decisions in crises, leading to both catastrophic and beneficial outcomes.
Ancient cultures often viewed impulsive actions as driven by divine inspiration or madness.
Important inventions often came from impulsive ideas that were acted upon rather than overly considered.

Origin of 'impulsive'

The word 'impulsive' originated from the Latin word 'impulsivus', meaning 'having the quality of impelling or urging on'. The concept of impulsivity has been studied in psychology and neuroscience to understand the tendency to act on a whim, without consideration of the consequences. Impulsive behavior can be influenced by various factors, including emotional state, environmental cues, and individual differences in self-control.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,920, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13917 infused
13918 quartzite
13919 salted
13920 impulsive
13921 proportioned
13922 flushing
13923 brevity
...