spontaneous
|spon-ta-ne-ous|
🇺🇸
/spɑnˈteɪniəs/
🇬🇧
/spɒnˈteɪniəs/
unplanned action
Etymology
'spontaneous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'spontaneus,' where 'sponte' meant 'of one's free will.'
'spontaneus' transformed into the Late Latin word 'spontaneus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'spontaneous' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'of one's own accord,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'occurring without external cause.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus.
The audience broke into spontaneous applause.
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Adjective 2
(Of a process or event) occurring without apparent external cause.
The spontaneous growth of plants in the garden was remarkable.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35