What's the difference in being extemporaneous, being spontaneous and being impulsive?
Or, when, where, – in which situation – would you rather use them?
Learn English – What’s the difference in being extemporaneous,being spontaneous and being impulsive
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Best Answer
Extemporaneous, as its roots indicate, is a response that is made up on the spur of the moment. Note the operative words made up, and moment. (Syn.: extemporaneous, extemporary, extempore, impromptu, offhand, unrehearsed, unpremeditated, ad-lib) etymonline: "without preparation, without time to prepare,"
A spontaneous response is involuntary, one is aware of it and 'lets it take control' and not try to make up an alternate response. (Syn.: spontaneous, impulsive, instinctive, involuntary, automatic) etymonline: "of one's own accord, willingly;"
An impulsive response is an overreaching reaction that leaves no chance for external control. etymonline: "rash, characterized by impulses,"
You are asked an unexpected question. You decide to answer it. Quickly think up something nice to say, and there you are with an extemporaneous response.
You are asked an unexpected question. You get a gut-feeling that the response ought to be a certain 'this.' Should you use the gut-feeling? Should you suppress it and think again before responding? The choice is yours. You can chose to be spontaneous if you like.
You are asked an unexpected question. And before you know it, you have uttered something in response. You find yourself in a situation where you were not in control of your reaction. However, you understand that the utterance was prompted by the nature of the question. Some of the times, it is possible to be aware or and in control of one's impulsive reactions. However, generally they are highly autonomous. Like when you scratch yourself in response to a bug bite! (Kids do it, grown ups don't? Maturity, control.)