What does extempore mean?
"Extempore" describes something spoken or performed without prior preparation — on the spur of the moment. It functions primarily as an adverb, as when a speaker delivers remarks extempore rather than reading from notes, and also as an adjective describing improvised speeches or performances. The word entered English in the early 17th century from the Latin phrase "ex tempore," meaning "out of the time" or "at the moment," and shares its root with words like "temporary," "tempo," and "temporal." Somewhat formal in register and especially common in British English, it connotes fluency and confidence — an extempore performance suggests skill in thinking on one's feet rather than mere carelessness. Related forms include "extemporaneous" and "to extemporize." For writers and speakers, it offers a precise, slightly elevated alternative to everyday terms like "off the cuff."
Without preparation or rehearsal; impromptu.
"She spoke extempore when asked to address the crowd."
This is the most common use of the word.
Spoken or done without advance preparation; improvised.
"His extempore wit made him a favorite at dinner parties."
A speech or composition delivered without preparation.
"The debate round consisted of a prepared case followed by an extempore."
This noun use is now rare and largely confined to formal or academic contexts.
Every time you wing a speech, you're doing what Roman orators did "ex tempore" — literally speaking "out of the moment."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of extempore
"Extempore" comes directly from the Latin phrase "ex tempore," meaning "out of the time" or "from the moment," formed from "ex" (out of) plus "tempore," the ablative of "tempus" (time). It entered English in the early 17th century, initially as an adverb describing unpremeditated speech. It shares its Latin root "tempus" with cognates such as "tempo," "temporary," "temporal," "contemporary," and "tempest," all of which carry some sense connected to time.
Related word forms
How extempore is actually used
"Extempore" is somewhat formal and literary, more common in British English than American English, where "impromptu" and "extemporaneous" are preferred. It can function as an adverb, adjective, and rarely a noun.
Easily confused with extempore
"Temporary" means lasting for a limited time, while "extempore" means done without preparation — they look similar but share only a Latin root.
"Contemporary" means belonging to the same time period, whereas "extempore" refers to something done on the spur of the moment.