Spontaneous
/spɒnˈteɪ.ni.əs/noun
Occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination without external stimulus.
Did you know?The term 'spontaneous' shares roots with the Latin word for 'free will', hinting at an inherent magic of personal choice and creation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*spont-
“to be born or to grow”
Latin
Latin
spontaneus
“arising from one's own power, free, voluntary”
Late Latin
Late Latin
spontaneum
“a natural occurrence or action”
14th Century
Old French
spontane
“of one's own accord, voluntary”
Early 17th Century
English
spontaneous
“arising naturally without external cause”
Explore more surprising origins