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 Stand-up comedy is a public performance that gives the illusion of intimate spontaneity. Alison Herman, Variety, 29 Mar. 2024 This campaign captures the fusion of high fashion and the timeless spontaneity of LOUIS XIII THE DROP, showcasing the collection's allure in a glamorous and artistic atmosphere. Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 The spontaneity of Aries may also clash with Taurus’ desire to stick to a routine. Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 18 Mar. 2024 There was little room for impulsivity; spontaneity scared me. Chiara Wilkinson, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2024 All the spontaneity is happening in the editing room, of people talking over each other, in a way that sounds organic. Carolyn Giardina, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Jan. 2024 This spontaneity of style and lack of strategic focus are potential pitfalls. Christian Schneider, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023 Give them at least two days’ notice; a lack of spontaneity is a small price to pay for comfort. Sophie Morgan, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Feb. 2024 While his subject matter tended to be different, less political, than that of Bruce, Lewis shared a similar dogged commitment and unruly spontaneity. Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024

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 19 Apr. 2024.

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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