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Impulsive vs Headlong - What's the difference?

impulsive | headlong | Related terms |

Impulsive is a related term of headlong.


As adjectives the difference between impulsive and headlong

is that impulsive is having the power of driving or impelling; giving an impulse; moving; impellent while headlong is precipitous.

As a noun impulsive

is that which impels or gives an impulse; an impelling agent.

As an adverb headlong is

with the head first or down.

As a verb headlong is

to precipitate.

impulsive

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • 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.
  • Actuated by impulse or by transient feelings; inclined to make rapid decisions without due consideration.
  • * Longfellow
    • my heart, impulsive and wayward
  • (mechanics) Acting momentarily, or by impulse; not continuous – said of forces.

    • Related terms

    * impulse * impulsion * impulsively * impulsiveness * impulsor

    References

    * *

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • That which impels or gives an impulse; an impelling agent.
  • One whose behaviour or personality is characterized by being impulsive.
    • ----

    headlong

    English

    Adverb

    (-)
  • With the head first or down.
  • With an unrestrained forward motion.
    • Figures out today show the economy plunging headlong into recession.
  • Rashly; precipitately; without deliberation.

    • Antonyms

    * (l) (UK dialect)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Precipitous.
  • Plunging downwards head foremost.
  • Rushing forward without restraint.
  • (figuratively) Reckless, impetuous.
  • * 1869 , RD Blackmoore, Lorna Doone , II:
    • “Time is up,” cried another boy, more headlong than head-monitor.

    Derived terms

    * headlongness * headlongs

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To precipitate.
  • * 1862 , Thomas Adams, The works of Thomas Adams :
    • If a stranger be setting his pace and face toward some deep pit, or steep rock — such a precipice as the cliffs of Dover — how do we cry aloud to have him return ? yet in mean time forget the course of our own sinful ignorance, that headlongs us to confusion.
  • * 1905 , Liberty Hyde Bailey, The outlook to nature :
    • Carriages went up and down in endless pageant. Trolley-cars rushed by, clanging and grinding as they headlonged into the side streets.