impetuous
/imˈpɛtʃuəs/
Group 9Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Acting or done quickly and without thought or care; impulsive GRE
Example in Context
The general's impetuous decision to advance without adequate reconnaissance led to the loss of an entire battalion in a preventable ambush.
Synonyms
impulsiverashreckless
Etymology
Describes actions that are unrestrained or done with impulsive haste.
- impetuosus (Latin) — unrestrained
Memory Aid
🐕Sounds like “im pet you us”
A hyper puppy jumping around, barking 'I'M PET YOU, US!' in a wild, IMPETUOUS frenzy!
Visual Association
⚡A young child rushing into the street without looking, full of reckless energy.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “impetuous” mean on the GRE?
impetuous (adjective) means “Acting or done quickly and without thought or care; impulsive”. The general's impetuous decision to advance without adequate reconnaissance led to the loss of an entire battalion in a preventable ambush.
How to remember “impetuous” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “impetuous” sounds like “im pet you us”. A hyper puppy jumping around, barking 'I'M PET YOU, US!' in a wild, IMPETUOUS frenzy!
What are synonyms for “impetuous”?
Common synonyms: impulsive, rash, reckless.