extemporaneous
Definitions
Spoken or done without preparation, especially of a speech delivered from notes rather than a full script
即兴的，临时的（尤指凭提纲而非完整讲稿发表的演讲）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedex- (out of) + tempor (time) + -aneous (adjective ending) = 'out of prepared time,' unrehearsed. Same idea as extempore, but this fuller form is the one American English prefers for public speaking: an extemporaneous speech is given from brief notes, not memorized or read.
Root tempor still carries 7 more wordsUsage Guide
In speech and debate training, 'extemporaneous' has a precise sense: speaking from an outline or brief notes, distinct from 'impromptu' (no notes at all) and from a memorized or manuscript speech. Outside that context it just means 'unprepared, improvised,' and is more formal than the everyday 'off-the-cuff.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
Her extemporaneous remarks at the funeral moved everyone to tears.
- 2.
The debate event rewards extemporaneous speaking from minimal notes.
- 3.
He delivered an extemporaneous toast that sounded perfectly rehearsed.
Easily Confused
extemporaneous vs impromptu — In formal speech training they differ: extemporaneous means speaking from prepared notes or an outline, while impromptu means with no preparation or notes at all. Casually, both mean 'unrehearsed,' but if you have an outline in hand, it's extemporaneous, not impromptu.