impetuous
What does "impetuous" mean?
Impetuous describes someone who acts quickly, impulsively, and without thinking about the potential consequences. Imagine a rushing mountain stream that spills over its banks because it is moving too fast to follow a path; similarly, an impetuous person is driven by sudden emotions or urges rather than careful planning or logic. The word carries a sense of recklessness or lack of restraint. It is often used to describe decisions made in the heat of the moment, such as quitting a job on a whim or making a massive purchase without checking a bank account. While it implies energy and passion, it frequently hints that the individual lacks the maturity or patience to consider the long-term fallout of their actions.
"impetuous" in conversation
A impulsive decision
I just booked a flight to Tokyo for tomorrow!
I just booked a flight to Tokyo for tomorrow!
That's a bit impetuous, don't you think? You don't even have a hotel.
That's a bit impetuous, don't you think? You don't even have a hotel.
Used to describe a sudden, poorly planned action.
Reflecting on youth
I was so impetuous when I was twenty.
I was so impetuous when I was twenty.
Did that get you into trouble?
Did that get you into trouble?
Constantly! I never stopped to think before acting.
Constantly! I never stopped to think before acting.
Highlights the link between youth and a lack of foresight.
"impetuous" in a sentence
He made an impetuous decision to quit his job.
He made an impetuous decision to quit his job.
The impetuous youth rushed into the burning building before the firefighters arrived.
The impetuous youth rushed into the burning building before the firefighters arrived.
Her impetuous nature often led her to disregard the carefully laid plans of her more cautious colleagues.
Her impetuous nature often led her to disregard the carefully laid plans of her more cautious colleagues.
