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impulse

[ˈɪmpʌls]

impulse Definition

  • 1a sudden strong desire to do something
  • 2a force that causes something to happen or be done

Using impulse: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "impulse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I had an impulse to buy the dress even though I didn't need it.

  • Example

    He acted on impulse and quit his job without a backup plan.

  • Example

    The car moved forward due to the impulse of the driver's foot on the gas pedal.

impulse Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for impulse

Idioms Using impulse

  • done suddenly and without thinking carefully about the consequences

    Example

    She bought the plane ticket on impulse and regretted it later.

  • to do something suddenly and without thinking carefully about the consequences

    Example

    He acted on impulse and proposed to her after only a few weeks of dating.

  • follow one's impulses

    to act on one's desires or instincts without considering the consequences

    Example

    She decided to follow her impulses and quit her job to travel the world.

Phrases with impulse

  • the ability to resist sudden urges or impulses

    Example

    Children with ADHD often struggle with impulse control.

  • buying something on a whim without planning or thinking about it beforehand

    Example

    I regret making that impulse purchase at the store yesterday.

  • impulse response

    the output of a system when presented with a brief input signal, used in signal processing and engineering

    Example

    The impulse response of the speaker system was measured and analyzed for optimal sound quality.

Origins of impulse

from Latin 'impulsus', meaning 'a push against'

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Summary: impulse in Brief

The term 'impulse' [ˈɪmpʌls] refers to a sudden strong desire to do something or a force that causes something to happen. It can be a positive or negative urge, as exemplified by 'I had an impulse to buy the dress even though I didn't need it.' 'Impulse' extends into phrases like 'on impulse,' and idioms like 'act on impulse,' denoting sudden actions without careful consideration.

How do native speakers use this expression?