Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Impetuous" (September 30, 2025)

Episode Overview

• Main Theme:
  Today's Word of the Day focuses on "impetuous," exploring its meaning, usage, and etymology. The episode aims to expand listeners' vocabulary by clarifying both the nuance of the word and its linguistic roots.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition and Usage

• Definition:
  "Impetuous" is an adjective describing a person or action that is impulsive or done without forethought.

  "Impetuous is an adjective. It's a synonym of the word impulsive that describes a person who is acting without thought or an action that is done without thought."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:10]

• Usage in Literature:
  The word is illustrated with an example sentence from Deadline by Greg:

  "She takes off, impetuous and alone for a cross country trip, seeking some kind of self understanding as she ultimately lands in the forests of California's Redwood country, finding both a sanctuary and, whether she knows it or not, a bucket list tribute to her late son."
  — Quoted Example [00:24]

Synonyms and Figurative Language

• The episode relates "impetuous" directly to being impulsive, emphasizing quick or thoughtless actions.

  "Impetuous types make impetuous decisions. They leap BO before they look, put carts before horses, count their chickens before even the tiniest of cracks appear on the eggs. In other words, they're impulsive."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:47]

• The playful language ("leap BO before they look...") underlines the often hasty, sometimes foolish spirit of impetuous behavior.

Etymology

• The host traces "impetuous" to its Latin roots:

  "The etymology of the word impetuous is also impulsive, but in a literal way. It traces back to the Latin word impetus, meaning impulse, driving force, as well as assault."
  — Peter Sokolowski [01:09]

• The English word "impetus" shares this origin, offering a broader context for the meaning of "impetuous."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Impetuous Decisions:

  "They leap BO before they look, put carts before horses, count their chickens before even the tiniest of cracks appear on the eggs."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:47]
  (A memorable line capturing the essence of recklessness embodied in "impetuous.")

• Etymology Insight:

  "It traces back to the Latin word impetus, meaning impulse, driving force, as well as assault."
  — Peter Sokolowski [01:09]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00] — Introduction of "impetuous" with spelling and basic definition
• [00:24] — Literary example illustrating usage
• [00:47] — Characterization of "impetuous" types with colorful idioms
• [01:09] — Etymology and relation to Latin "impetus"
• [01:30] — Episode conclusion and website plug

Summary

This episode gracefully unpacks "impetuous," pairing a clear definition with illustrative language and etymological context. The host's vivid metaphors and engaging literary example ensure listeners understand not just what the word means, but also how it feels and why it persists in everyday English. The combination of lively idioms and concise history provides both education and entertainment, making "impetuous" an unforgettable addition to the listener’s vocabulary.