extempore
Definitions
Done or spoken on the spot, without preparation
即兴的，无准备的
Without preparation; on the spur of the moment
即兴地，当场地
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom the Latin phrase ex tempore, literally 'out of the time' — ex- (out of) + tempore (time). Acting 'out of' prepared time means doing it on the spot, unrehearsed. English froze the whole phrase into one word that works as both adjective and adverb.
Root tempor still carries 7 more wordsUsage Guide
extempore can be either an adjective ('an extempore speech') or an adverb ('he spoke extempore') without changing form. It is fairly formal and somewhat dated; in everyday speech 'off the cuff' or 'improvised' is more natural. Note it is unrelated to 'temporary' in meaning, despite sharing the tempor root.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The senator gave an extempore reply that surprised the reporters.
- 2.
She can speak extempore on almost any subject.
- 3.
His extempore remarks were sharper than his prepared script.