spontaneity

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

noun

plural

spontaneities 

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

I think it’s a balance between spontaneity, a game between the organic, the intellectual, the conceptual.

From Los Angeles Times

Park formats their banter in left and right margins with plenty of blank space, a visual back-and-forth that enhances spontaneity, a sense of unease.

From Los Angeles Times

Brydon said he was struck by the level of spontaneity and storytelling that unfolded behind the scenes.

From BBC

He’s more interested in spontaneity than continuity, and artistry takes precedence over cohesion.

From Los Angeles Times

I hadn’t felt the electricity of spontaneity for a long time.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

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 beforehandWhen 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.