What does extemporary mean?
Extemporary is a formal adjective describing something — most often speech — that is produced on the spur of the moment, without preparation, rehearsal, or written notes. An extemporary lecture or sermon is composed and delivered in real time, drawing on the speaker's knowledge and fluency rather than a prepared text. The word is closely related to 'extemporaneous', which is more common in American English; 'extemporary' tends to appear more often in British usage and in slightly literary or traditional registers. It derives from the medieval Latin phrase ex tempore, meaning 'out of the moment' or 'on the instant'. The term carries a generally positive connotation, implying adroitness and command of one's subject rather than negligence — to be praised for extemporary eloquence is to be praised for thinking quickly and speaking well under pressure. Its natural companions include remarks, speeches, prayers, preaching, and performances.
adjectiveSpoken or done without preparation or advance planning; improvised on the spur of the moment.
- (Of speech or a performance) spoken or done without preparation or notes; improvised.
- (Of actions more generally) carried out on an impulsive, unplanned basis.
"Her extemporary remarks at the close of the conference proved more memorable than any prepared speech."
"The lecturer abandoned her slides and delivered an extemporary account of how the discovery was made."
"His extemporary wit made him a favourite panellist on the radio show."
When you speak extemporarily, you're literally speaking 'out of the moment' — the word comes straight from the Latin phrase ex tempore.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of extemporary
Extemporary comes from the medieval Latin phrase ex tempore, literally 'out of the moment', formed from ex ('out of') and tempore, the ablative of tempus ('time'). It entered English around the early seventeenth century, alongside its close relative 'extemporaneous', both describing speech made without preparation. The same Latin root tempus gives English a family of time-related words including 'temporary', 'contemporary', and 'temporal'.
Related word forms
How extemporary is actually used
Extemporary is somewhat formal and is more frequent in British English than American English, where 'extemporaneous' and 'impromptu' are preferred. It carries a mildly admiring connotation, suggesting fluency or skill in speaking without preparation rather than mere carelessness. It applies chiefly to speech, sermons, lectures, and musical performance.
Easily confused with extemporary
Contemporary means belonging to the same time period or modern, whereas extemporary means unprepared or improvised.
Temporary means lasting for a limited time, while extemporary describes something done without preparation.