spontaneity

[ spon-tuh-nee-i-tee, -ney- ]

noun

, plural spon·ta·ne·i·ties.

1. the state, quality, or fact of being spontaneous.
2. spontaneous activity.
3. spontaneities, spontaneous impulses, movements, or actions.

spontaneity

/ -ˈneɪ-; ˌspɒntəˈniːɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being spontaneous
2. often plural the exhibiting of actions, impulses, or behaviour that are stimulated by internal processes

Word History and Origins

Origin of spontaneity¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Late Latin spontāne(us) spontaneous + -ity

Example Sentences

“Her enthusiasm and spontaneity delighted him. Her jokes diverted him. Her social gifts offset his abiding shyness. ... Her passion moved him. Her devotion offered him reassurance and security,” Schlesinger wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike “Fat Ham,” his Pulitzer Prize-winning Black American riff on “Hamlet,” this earlier piece has a loose spontaneity that makes it more dependent on the imaginative contributions of its interpreters.

From Los Angeles Times

Caution was not thrown to the wind, but a bracing sense of spontaneity brought freshness and a kind of excitement that Dudamel implied 19 years ago but could not yet fully implement.

From Los Angeles Times

And this moment, that spontaneity, is what I, as a fan and filmmaker, can’t put it into words.

From Los Angeles Times

Lyrically and thematically, “It’s a Ugly Come Up” is focused without infringing too much on the spontaneity that has become Shy’s trademark.

From Los Angeles Times

More About Spontaneity

What does spontaneity mean?

Spontaneity is the state or quality of being spontaneous—happening naturally and without being planned.

When you describe an action or event as spontaneous, it means it happened naturally, without having been planned, as in The meeting turned into a spontaneous dance party. Spontaneity can also refer to this kind of spontaneous activity.

When something that someone does is described as spontaneous, it means it was done out of a natural impulse, without having been thought about beforehand

When spontaneous is used to describe a person, it means they have a tendency to or are known for doing things impulsively and without planning. This is usually used in a positive way to portray them as a fun person who is adventurous and willing to do things on the spur of the moment. Telling someone to be more spontaneous or introduce more spontaneity into their life means you want them to be more flexible and willing to do more things on a whim instead of needing for things to be completely structured or scheduled.

Example: I feel stuck in a routine—I need more spontaneity in my life.

Where does spontaneity come from?

The first records of the word spontaneity come from the mid-1600s. It comes from the Late Latin word spontāneus, which is related to the Latin spont(e), meaning “willingly” or “voluntarily.” The suffix -ity indicates a state or condition and is used to form nouns.

When you describe someone as spontaneous, it implies that they’re “up for anything”—they’re willing to try something new at a moment’s notice (without needing to plan or prepare for it). Spontaneity is the state of having this willingness. Telling someone who’s going on vacation to “plan for spontaneity” sounds like an oxymoron (a contradiction in terms), but it really just means that they should reserve some time that is not planned out, when they can choose to do whatever you want.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to spontaneity?

• spontaneous (adjective)

What are some synonyms for spontaneity?

• spontaneousness

What are some words that share a root or word element with spontaneity? 

• spontaneous combustion

What are some words that often get used in discussing spontaneity?

• unplanned
• unforced
• impromptu
• flexible
• adventurous
• free
• spur of the moment
• whim
• natural

How is spontaneity used in real life?

Spontaneity is most commonly used in a positive way to refer to a flexibility to do fun and adventurous things.

I don’t trust people that wear clean shoes all the time. They have no spontaneity and it shows.

— St. Nicholas (@internwatts) November 8, 2020

There’s a difference between spontaneity and chaos.

— kristy (@kristykim__) November 7, 2020

I’m getting old. I like organized spontaneity now. Give me enough time to mentally and physically prepare.. after that I’m down. Lmao

— Justice Jená (@IamJusticeJena) November 7, 2020

 

Try using spontaneity!

Is spontaneity used correctly in the following sentence?

One of the reasons I love spontaneity is because it makes things very structured and predictable.