extemporaneous
Spoken or done without preparation; impromptu but structured
Examples
In a meeting
“His extemporaneous remarks at the town hall were surprisingly well-organized.”
Over coffee
“She gave an extemporaneous toast that was both funny and heartfelt.”
Why this word
spontaneous
extemporaneous means prepared but delivered without notes or text, while spontaneous means completely unplanned
impromptu
extemporaneous involves preparation with unrehearsed delivery, while impromptu means done with no preparation at all
improvised
extemporaneous suggests planned content delivered naturally, while improvised means making it up on the spot
Usage tip
Use to describe speaking that's unprepared but still coherent and thoughtful. Different from 'improvised' by suggesting more structure.
Etymology
Latin: ex tempore (out of time, on the spur of the moment)
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
visualize
To form a mental picture or create a visual representation
prolixity
The quality of using too many words; excessive wordiness
polemical
Involving strongly critical or controversial argument
pejorative
Expressing disapproval or conveying a negative connotation
rebuttal
A refutation or contradiction of an argument
allegory
A story or description in which characters or events symbolize deeper meanings