spontaneity

noun

spon·​ta·​ne·​i·​ty ˌspän-tə-ˈnē-ə-tē How to pronounce spontaneity (audio) -ˈnā- How to pronounce spontaneity (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being spontaneous
2
: voluntary or undetermined action or movement
also : its source

Examples of spontaneity in a Sentence

the spontaneity of their behavior the couple sacrificed some of the spontaneity in their lives when they both got nine-to-five jobs
Recent Examples on the Web Still, the founder of the cult design store and gallery Tiwa Select notes that this sense of spontaneity is very well-planned. Liam Hess, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2023 Observers have often lamented a lack of spontaneity or surprises surrounding the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, particularly since HBO began broadcasting the event in 1995. Al Shipley, SPIN, 4 Nov. 2023 Drawing was an early and lifelong obsession, and the ease and spontaneity of many of these images suggest a virtuoso ability to capture passing moments with astonishing speed. Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2023 The play portion of her creative residency looked like this for Ellis: saying yes to activities that sparked joy, no matter how small, intentionally seeking moments of playfulness and spontaneity, resisting a rigid agenda, and allowing more wiggle room for activities. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Sep. 2023 So nothing is left to spontaneity, both in- LA: [laughs]. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Sep. 2023 This goes back to the essence of Takase and her hands on approach and spontaneity in her work. ELLE, 8 Sep. 2023 Can emotion or spontaneity ever be captured by an algorithm? Christopher Soto, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2023 Royal is the only one who can throw Etheline off her game, and the way Huston springs to life in those scenes gives the film a rare sense of spontaneity. Joe Reid, Vulture, 26 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spontaneity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin spontāneitāt-, spontāneitās, from Late Latin spontāneus "voluntary, unconstrained, spontaneous" + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spontaneity was in 1651

Dictionary Entries Near spontaneity

Cite this Entry

“Spontaneity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spontaneity. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

spontaneity

noun
spon·​ta·​ne·​ity
ˌspänt-ən-ˈē-ət-ē,
ˌspänt-ᵊn-,
-ˈā-ət-
: the quality or state of being spontaneous

More from Merriam-Webster on spontaneity

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