adjective

impetuous

/ɪmˈpɛtʃuəs/ · say it: im·PECH·oo·uhs

acting quickly without thought

In Personality & Character

In more detail

1. (adjective) acting or done quickly without thinking carefully; done with strong emotion or energy

2. (adjective) moving with great force or speed

Examples

1. She made an impetuous decision to quit her job without finding a new one first.
2. The impetuous river swept away everything in its path.

How to use impetuous

Impetuous describes someone or something characterized by quick, often unthinking action driven by emotion or force rather than careful consideration. It carries a more literary or elevated tone than rash or hasty, and often implies a certain romantic or youthful quality rather than pure foolishness. The word is frequently used in narrative or character description.

Common phrases

impetuous decision
impetuous nature
impetuous youth
impetuous pace
impetuous temperament

Synonyms

rash · hasty · passionate · headstrong · spontaneous

Opposites

cautious · deliberate · thoughtful

Word family

impetuously (adverb) · impetuosity (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse impetuous with impudent (disrespectfully bold) or use it as a pure synonym for reckless when it actually suggests passion and energy alongside lack of forethought.

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