Pronunciation: /ˈɪmˌpʌls/

Definitions of impulse

noun a sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act

Example Sentences

A1 I had an impulse to buy a chocolate bar at the checkout counter.

A2 She acted on impulse and booked a last-minute vacation.

B1 His impulse to help others often leads him to volunteer at the local shelter.

B2 The impulse to speak out against injustice drove her to join the protest.

C1 His impulsive decision to quit his job without a backup plan caused him financial hardship.

C2 The artist followed her creative impulses to produce a groundbreaking masterpiece.

verb None

Example Sentences

A1 I impulse bought a new shirt at the store.

A2 She impulsively decided to dye her hair pink.

B1 He often impulsively eats junk food when he's stressed.

B2 The decision to quit his job was made on impulse.

C1 Despite his usual careful nature, he occasionally acts on impulse.

C2 She has learned to control her impulses and think things through before acting.

adjective None

Example Sentences

A1 He made an impulse decision to buy a new book.

A2 She followed her impulse to explore the unknown path.

B1 The impulsive purchase of a new car left him with regret.

B2 Despite his impulsive nature, he always thinks carefully before acting.

C1 Her impulsive behavior often leads to unexpected outcomes.

C2 The artist's impulse creativity resulted in a masterpiece.

adverb None

Example Sentences

A1 She bought the dress on impulse.

A2 He decided to take a trip on impulse.

B1 I tend to act on impulse when I'm stressed.

B2 The decision was made on impulse without much thought.

C1 His impulse decision ended up costing him a lot of money.

C2 Despite his rational nature, he occasionally acts on impulse.

pronoun None

Example Sentences

A1 I had an impulse to buy a candy bar at the checkout.

A2 She followed her impulse and booked a last-minute flight to Paris.

B1 His impulse to speak out in the meeting was met with mixed reactions.

B2 The impulse to quit her job and travel the world was becoming stronger.

C1 Despite his impulse to react angrily, he remained calm and composed.

C2 Her impulse to confront the CEO about the company's unethical practices was bold and courageous.

preposition None

Example Sentences

A1 I bought the toy on impulse.

A2 She decided to dye her hair on impulse.

B1 He often acts on impulse without thinking things through.

B2 The decision was made on impulse, but it turned out to be the right choice.

C1 The artist painted the masterpiece on impulse, inspired by a sudden burst of creativity.

C2 Despite his usual cautious nature, he occasionally gives in to impulse and takes risks.

conjunction None

Example Sentences

A1 I bought the shirt on impulse.

A2 She decided to take a trip on impulse.

B1 He made a purchase on impulse without thinking it through.

B2 The decision was made on impulse, without considering the consequences.

C1 His impulse to quit his job led to a series of unexpected events.

C2 The impulse to speak out in the meeting was difficult to resist.

interjection None

Example Sentences

A1 Impulse! I just bought a new book.

A2 Impulse! I couldn't resist buying those shoes.

B1 Impulse! I suddenly decided to go on a road trip.

B2 Impulse! I impulsively booked a flight to Paris.

C1 Impulse! I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to quit my job.

C2 Impulse! I acted on a sudden urge and bought a new car.

article None

Example Sentences

A1 I bought the toy on impulse.

A2 She had an impulse to jump into the lake on a hot day.

B1 His impulse purchase turned out to be a great deal.

B2 The decision was made on impulse without much thought.

C1 Her impulse to travel led her to book a last-minute flight.

C2 The artist followed his creative impulses to produce a masterpiece.

Examples of impulse in a Sentence

formal She struggled to control her impulse to buy the expensive handbag.

informal I couldn't resist the impulse to splurge on new shoes.

slang I had a sudden impulse to ditch class and go to the beach.

figurative His impulse to speak out against injustice was strong, despite the risks involved.

Grammatical Forms of impulse

past tense

impulsed

plural

impulses

comparative

more impulsive

superlative

most impulsive

present tense

impulses

future tense

will impulse

perfect tense

have impulsed

continuous tense

is impulsing

singular

impulse

positive degree

impulsive

infinitive

to impulse

gerund

impulsing

participle

impulsed

Origin and Evolution of impulse

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'impulse' originated from the Latin word 'impulsus' which means a push or thrust.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in physics to describe a force acting briefly on a body, the word 'impulse' has evolved to also refer to a sudden strong urge or desire to act.