Make Your Point > Archived Issues > IMPETUOUS

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"IMPETUOUS" Meaning: Someone or something impetuous moves in forceful, violent, unthinking way. Pronunciation: im PETCH you us Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “an impetuous thought.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The thought was impetuous.”) Other forms: impetuously, impetuosity/impetuousness Why it looks like the word "impetus:" You know how the "impetus" for something is the cause, or the force that makes something happen? Well, "impetus" is also Latin for "an attack; a fast movement; vigor." And "impetuous" is the adjective that comes from "impetus." If you break down the roots of either "impetus" or "impetuous," you get "in" (into) + "petere" (aim for, rush at.) That makes sense considering that impetuous people and things tend to rush into something. How to use it: "Impetuous" describes people as well as things: Talk about impetuous people and personalities, impetuous thoughts and choices and behavior, impetuous feelings or emotions, an impetuous style of leadership, etc. And, you can talk about impetuous winds and rivers, impetuous motion or movement, impetuous processes, and so on. Considering why Romeo and Juliet is so often standard reading for ninth graders, I think teachers want to warn kids right at that age about what can happen when you make impetuous decisions in love. Under the influence of impetuous jealousy or rage, we are still ourselves: still responsible for what we say and do. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "impetuous" means when you can explain it without saying "hasty" or "rash." Think of a time you wanted something so badly that you couldn't even think straight, and fill in the blank: "I once had an impetuous desire for _____." Example: "I once had an impetuous desire for a Chipotle burrito bowl. That doesn't sound like a big problem, but at the time, we were living on an island without any Chipotles." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: This month, challenge your powers of memory and recall (or just get ready to reign supreme on Wheel of Fortune) as we play with two-word phrases that you’ll find in a dictionary. We’ll start off with easy tasks and advance to harder ones as the month goes on. See the right answer to each question the following day. You might even see a new phrase that inspires your curiosity and makes you look it up. Have fun! (Note: Every dictionary recognizes a different set of two-word phrases. I used the OED to make these game questions.) Yesterday's question: Now we’ll switch gears and play with trivia questions about two-word phrases, building toward harder questions as the month comes to an end. What’s a two-word phrase meaning a target that isn’t moving, and therefore is easy to hit? Hint: the second word in the phrase is a type of animal. Answer: Sitting duck. Try this one today: What’s a two-word phrase meaning a miscellaneous assortment? Hint: both words have one syllable each. A Point Well Made: W. Somerset Maugham: “When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me.” 1. The opposite of IMPETUOUS is A. CIRCUMSTANTIAL B. CIRCUMSPECT C. CIRCUMLOCUTORY 2. They _____ with an impetuous _____ A. rejected our plea .. "No!" B. complicated the situation .. and thorough analysis. C. upgraded their phones .. and welcome increase in their data plans Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. B 2. A Exploring the archives: Today's impetuous is a powerful synonym for "hasty" that lets you emphasize the violent, powerful motion behind something (or behind someone's thoughts or actions.) Similarly, could you recall a powerful synonym for "warm"? It helps you sharply emphasize that something really should be warmer, but it isn't.