impetuous
Definitions
Acting quickly and without thinking carefully; impulsive
冲动的，鲁莽的
(of movement or force) moving forcefully and fast
（动作或力）猛烈的，急速的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedin- (in, onto, assimilated to im-) + petere (to rush) gives impetus, 'a forward-driving force'; + -ous = 'full of that headlong force.' An impetuous person acts with the same unchecked rush — leaping before looking.
Root pet still carries 37 more wordsWhy It Means This
impetuous is the human face of impetus: the physics word for momentum became a personality trait. The link is the image of unstoppable forward motion — once it starts, it can't easily be checked. Note: it's not a compliment. It frames quick action as rash, driven by feeling rather than judgment.
Common Collocations
- 1.impetuous decision冲动的决定
- 2.impetuous action鲁莽的行为
- 3.impetuous youth冲动的年轻人
- 4.impetuous nature冲动的天性
Example Sentences
- 1.
It was an impetuous decision that he soon regretted.
- 2.
She has an impetuous streak and often acts on impulse.
Synonym Comparison
- impetuous — acting fast on feeling, with headlong force; literary tone
- impulsive — acting on sudden urges; the everyday word
- rash — acting without weighing consequences; stresses recklessness
- hasty — done too quickly, often regretted; about speed more than emotion
- spontaneous — unplanned but usually positive, free and natural