English

Adjective

impulsive ‎(comparative more impulsive, superlative most impulsive)

1. Having the power of driving or impelling; giving an impulse; moving; impellent.
   • Prior

     Poor men! poor papers! We and they / Do some impulsive force obey.

2. Actuated by impulse or by transient feelings; inclined to make rapid decisions without due consideration.
   • Longfellow

     my heart, impulsive and wayward

3. (mechanics) Acting momentarily, or by impulse; not continuous – said of forces.

Related terms

• impulse
• impulsion
• impulsively
• impulsiveness
• impulsor

Translations

References

• impulsive in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
• impulsive in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913

Noun

impulsive ‎(plural impulsives)

1. That which impels or gives an impulse; an impelling agent.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Sir W. Wotton to this entry?)

2. One whose behaviour or personality is characterized by being impulsive.

French

Adjective

impulsive

1. feminine singular of impulsif

German

Adjective

impulsive

1. inflected form of impulsiv

Italian

Adjective

impulsive f pl

1. feminine plural of impulsivo

Latin

Adjective

impulsive

1. vocative masculine singular of impulsivus