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impulsive

B2
adjectivenoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɪmpˈʌlsɪv/

US

  • /ˌɪmˈpəlsɪv/

Description

Imagine you're walking past a bakery, not hungry at all, but suddenly you have to buy that chocolate eclair. That's what being impulsive is like. An impulsive person acts on sudden feelings or wants without stopping to think carefully about what might happen next. It's like your brain says, "Do it now!" before the calmer part has time to speak.

Sometimes this can lead to fun moments, like booking a last-minute trip. Other times, it can cause problems, like saying something you later regret. Being impulsive is not always bad, but it often means choosing what feels good right away instead of thinking ahead. Think of a child grabbing a cookie before dinner; that's an impulsive act.

Examples

  1. 1

    Sudden decision

    She made an impulsive decision and bought the tickets that night.

  2. 2

    Personality

    He's smart, but he can be impulsive when he gets excited.

  3. 3

    Digital messages

    Posting that message right away was an impulsive move.

  4. 4

    Spending

    I try not to be impulsive with money when things are on sale.

    • Pattern

      be impulsive with money

      spend without planning carefully

  5. 5

    Job decision

    Quitting your job after one bad meeting would be impulsive.

  6. 6

    Social behavior

    Her friends love her energy, but they know she can be a little impulsive.

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • impulsivenounadjective

Forms

  • impulsivespluralnounadjective