different between protean vs impetuous

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ??????? (Pr?teús, literally “first”), the Greek warden of sea beasts, renowned for his ability to change shape.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?p???.t?.?n/, /p????ti?.?n/
• (US) enPR: pr?'ti-?n, pr?-t?'?n, IPA^(key): /?p?o?.t?.?n/, /p?o??ti?.?n/
• ,

Adjective

protean (comparative more protean, superlative most protean)

1. Exceedingly variable; readily assuming different shapes or forms.

   Synonyms: multiform, polymorphic, polymorphous, shapeshifting; see also Thesaurus:multiform

   • 1987, William A. Henry III, Time Magazine Volume 129

     He loved to show off his protean talent.
2. Alternative letter-case form of Protean (of or relating to Proteus).

Translations

See also

• Protea

References

Further reading

• Proteus on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

Anagrams

• Paterno, operant, pronate, tropane

English

Etymology

From Middle English impetuous, from Old French impetueux, from Late Latin impetu?sus (“violent”), from Latin impetus (“attack, violence”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /im?p?t?u?s/

Adjective

impetuous (comparative more impetuous, superlative most impetuous)

1. Making arbitrary decisions, especially in an impulsive and forceful manner.
   • 1880, John Weeks Moore, Complete Encyclopaedia of Music, "Beethoven, Louis Van":

     But it was natural, that the impetuous, restless young artist should incline more to excess of strength than of delicacy in his playing.

2. Characterized by sudden violence or vehemence.
   • 1794, Ann Radcliffe, The Mysteries of Udolpho, vol. II, chapter I:

     He stands, and views in the faint rays
     Far, far below, the torrent's rising surge,
     And listens to the wild impetuous roar

   • 1917 rev. 1925, Ezra Pound, "Canto I"

     Unsheathed the narrow sword,

     I sat to keep off the impetuous impotent dead ...

Synonyms

• impulsive
• hasty
• rash
• hotheaded

Derived terms

• impetuously
• impetuousness

Translations