Spontaneous

/spɒnˈteɪ.ni.əs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus.

The crowd broke into spontaneous applause after the performance.

Happening or arising without apparent external cause; involuntary.

Her laughter was spontaneous and infectious, lighting up the room.

Developing or occurring naturally and inherently.

The spontaneous growth of grass in the abandoned lot surprised the neighbors.

Characterized by a natural and uninhibited quality.

Their spontaneous road trip was the highlight of their summer vacation.

From Latin 'spontaneus' meaning 'of one's own accord'.

spontaneous combustion:

The occurrence of fire without apparent external ignition.

spontaneous reaction:

A reaction that occurs without the addition of energy.

Off-the-cuff

He gave an off-the-cuff speech that impressed everyone.

Wing it

I didn't plan my presentation; I just decided to wing it.