Reading Theme:
Impulse: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：sudden urge (impulse)
impulse
/ˈɪmpʌls/
n.
A sudden strong feeling that makes you want to do something, often without thinking about the results.
sudden urge
➕
/ˈsʌdən ɜːrdʒ/
n.
A spontaneous and often irresistible desire to act, typically without careful consideration of the consequences.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'impulsus' meaning 'a push, an impulse', from 'impellere' (to push, urge on).
💡 Mnemonic
IMPULSE = IMmediate PULSE. Think of a sudden, quick heartbeat (pulse) that makes you act immediately.
📖 Example
I bought the shoes on an impulse because they were so colorful and on sale.
I purchased the shoes spontaneously because of their vibrant colors and discounted price.
🔗 Collocations
on impulse – acting spontaneously without prior planning
impulse buy – a purchase made spontaneously
impulse purchase – an item bought spontaneously
🔄 Synonyms
urge (n.) – a strong desire or impulse
whim (n.) – a sudden fancy or impulse
compulsion (n.) – an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way
🚫 Antonyms
deliberation (n.) – long and careful consideration
restraint (n.) – self-control; the act of holding back
🌱 Derivatives
impulsive (adj.) – acting or done without forethought
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'impulsus', meaning a 'push' or 'pressure'. It entered English in the 17th century, originally describing a literal push or force. The psychological sense developed later. In physics, it specifically refers to the product of a force and the time over which it acts.
Meaning 2：driving force (impulse)
impulse
/ˈɪmpʌls/
n.
A motivating force or cause that drives an action or development forward.
driving force
➕
/ˈdraɪvɪŋ fɔːrs/
n.
The initial push, motivation, or impetus that initiates an action or process.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The main impulse behind his decision to run a marathon was to get healthier and challenge himself.
The primary motivation for his choice to run a marathon was to improve his health and test his limits.
🔗 Collocations
prime impulse – the main motivating force
initial impulse – the first driving force or motivation
🔄 Synonyms
impetus (n.) – the force or energy with which a body moves; a driving force
motivation (n.) – the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way
🚫 Antonyms
inertia (n.) – a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged
Meaning 3：electrical signal (impulse)
impulse
/ˈɪmpʌls/
n.
A very short, sharp signal or flow of electricity in a piece of equipment.
electrical signal
➕
/ɪˈlektrɪkl ˈsɪɡnəl/
n.
A brief, sudden surge of electrical energy or a signal transmitted in a circuit or through nerves.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
When you press the button, the remote control sends an infrared impulse to change the channel on the TV.
Pressing the button causes the remote to transmit an infrared signal to switch the television channel.
🔗 Collocations
nerve impulse – a signal transmitted along a nerve fiber
electrical impulse – a brief flow of electric current
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