Meaning & use
extempore
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Meanings
adverb
spoken or performed without previous preparation; done on the spot.
Grammar: Used like an adverb: he spoke extempore.
Patterns
- speak extempore
- perform extempore
She delivered the whole speech extempore, without a single note.
The musician played extempore, inventing the melody as he went.
adjectivebefore a noun
composed or uttered without preparation; impromptu.
Grammar: Comes before a noun: an extempore speech.
Patterns
- an extempore speech
- an extempore performance
His extempore remarks were surprisingly well organized.
The audience enjoyed the extempore debate between the two students.
Common combinations
- speak extempore
- He can speak extempore on almost any topic.
- extempore speech
- The minister gave an extempore speech at the ceremony.
- extempore performance
- The dancers gave an extempore performance in the street.
Synonyms and how they differ
- impromptu
- More common in everyday English and can describe informal events; extempore is more formal and often used for speeches or music.
- improvised
- Focuses on making something up as you go, often with available materials; extempore focuses on lack of preparation.
Opposites
Word family
- extemporaneous adjective
- Same meaning, but more formal and often used in academic contexts.
- extemporize verb
- To speak or perform extempore.
Commonly confused: extempore or temporary?
extempore vs temporary
Temporary means lasting only a short time; extempore means done without preparation.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'extempore' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Extempore means without preparation, so 'thinking on his feet' fits. The other options describe prepared or planned activities, which contradict the meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “extempore”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.