Words / C1

IMP-uls/ˈɪmpʌls/

An impulse is a sudden urge to act, or a short physical/electrical push: on impulse, an impulse purchase, a nerve impulse. Instinct (often taught nearby) is a deeper built-in tendency. Impulsive is the adjective. Do not write impulse for a year’s planned campaign.

Meaning

A sudden desire to act, without much thought; also a short electrical or physical push.

Examples

• “On impulse she sent the draft; the sober version needed a night.”
• “On impulse she hit send; the version that survived had waited a night.”
• “A nerve impulse is physiology; an impulse buy is the shop sense examiners also know.”

Good to know

A sudden urge; also a short pulse. Adjective: impulsive. Phrase: on impulse. Deeper cousin: instinct. Not a year-long plan.

Near in meaning

urge

New