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Impetuous

2 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means acting quickly without thought

Where does the word "impetuous" come from? It comes from Late Latin impetuosus, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
impetuosus
Late Latin · ancient
"violent"
from 'impetus', attack
2
Stage 2 of 2
impetuous
English · 1300s
"violent"
came into English through French 'impétueux'
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Read the full story

Impetuous’s story begins in Late Latin: impetuosus meant “violent.” From 'impetus', attack. It reached English by 1300s as impetuous. Came into English through French 'impétueux'. Today, impetuous means acting quickly without thought.