On impulse Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈɪmpəɫs/, /ˌɪmˈpəɫs
ON IM-puls
ˈɒn/ /ˈɪmpʌls
ON IM-puls
Definition
If you do something on impulse, you do it suddenly without planning or thinking, simply because you feel like it at that moment.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used with verbs like 'buy', 'quit', 'leave', or 'say.' Usually describes unplanned actions that may later be regretted. Neutral formality, common in conversation and writing. Not interchangeable with 'spontaneously' (which can be more positive or creative).
Spanish: por impulsoPortuguese (BR): por impulsoPortuguese (PT): por impulsoChinese (Simplified): 一时冲动Chinese (Traditional): 一時衝動Hindi: झटके मेंArabic: بدافع فجائيBengali: হঠাৎ করে - আকস্মিকভাবেRussian: на импульсе - под воздействием порываJapanese: 衝動的にVietnamese: theo cảm hứng bất chợt - bất chợtKorean: 충동적으로Turkish: içgüdüsel olarak - aniden - ani bir dürtüyleUrdu: اچانک - بغیرسوچے سمجھےIndonesian: secara impulsif - tanpa berpikir panjang
Example Sentences
She bought the dress on impulse.
basic
He quit his job on impulse.
basic
I called her on impulse last night.
basic
I didn't plan to go out; I just left the house on impulse.
natural
Sometimes I buy snacks on impulse at the checkout.
natural
He apologized later, saying he spoke on impulse.
natural