Spanish word

espontáneo

Pronunciation

IPA/esponˈtaneo/

Meaning

  • adjectivespontaneous

Example

Su reacción fue espontánea.

His reaction was spontaneous.

Illustration for espontáneo (spontaneous)

More examples

Tomó una decisión espontánea y nos sorprendió a todos.

He made a spontaneous decision and surprised us all.

Core concept

An unrehearsed, natural impulse originating inside a person.

Common phrases

  • reacción espontánea

    spontaneous reaction

  • decisión espontánea

    spontaneous decision

  • sonrisa espontánea

    spontaneous smile

  • gesto espontáneo

    spontaneous gesture

Similar words

instintivo: Occurs as an immediate, instinct-driven action or reaction before conscious thought.
improvisado: Happens on the spot without prior preparation or planning.
natural: Appears effortless and unforced, showing an unaffected, easy manner.

Definition in Spanish

Que ocurre o se hace por iniciativa propia, sin haber sido planeado ni provocado por otros.

Word origin

The Spanish word traces to Latin sponte 'of one's own will' through medieval Latin spontaneus, conveying that something occurs without external prompting.

Usage tips

  • Frequently used in phrases like es muy espontáneo to approve a natural reaction, and it contrasts with impulsivo when behavior seems careless rather than simply natural.

Other meanings

  • naturaladjective

Opposites

  • planificadoplannedadjective
  • calculadocalculatedadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word