Spontaneous: meaning, definitions and examples

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spontaneous

[ spɒnˈteɪnɪəs ]

^{Context #1}

behavior

Performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus.

Synonyms

impromptu, impulsive, unplanned

Examples of usage

She made a spontaneous decision to go on a road trip with her friends.
His spontaneous laughter filled the room.

^{Context #2}

biology

Produced without being planted or without human labor.

Synonyms

unintentional, unplanned, unprovoked

Examples of usage

The plant's spontaneous growth surprised the gardener.
Spontaneous generation is a theory that has been debunked by science.

^{Context #3}

chemistry

Happening or arising without apparent external cause.

Synonyms

automatic, voluntary

Examples of usage

The spontaneous combustion of the material was a cause for concern.
The reaction proceeded spontaneously under the given conditions.

Translations

Translations of the word "spontaneous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espontâneo

🇮🇳 स्वाभाविक

🇩🇪 spontan

🇮🇩 spontan

🇺🇦 спонтанний

🇵🇱 spontaniczny

🇯🇵 自発的 (じはつてき)

🇫🇷 spontané

🇪🇸 espontáneo

🇹🇷 spontane

🇰🇷 자발적인

🇸🇦 عفوي

🇨🇿 spontánní

🇸🇰 spontánny

🇨🇳 自发的 (zìfā de)

🇸🇮 spontan

🇮🇸 sjálfsprottinn

🇰🇿 өздігінен

🇬🇪 სპონტანური

🇦🇿 spontan

🇲🇽 espontáneo

Word origin

The word 'spontaneous' originated from the Latin word 'spontaneus', which means 'of one's own accord'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of spontaneity has been a subject of philosophical and scientific discussions, exploring the idea of actions or occurrences without external influence or predetermined causes.