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impulse
/ˈɪmpʌls/
When used to describe a sudden urge, "impulse" is often used with the preposition "on" (e.g., "on an impulse"), meaning the action was not planned. In scientific contexts, such as physics or biology, the word is more technical and refers to a specific physical measurement or signal rather than a feeling.
💬Trò chuyện
🎬Tuesday afternoon, Maya is at her desk while Ryan is procrastinating on his chores.
Ryan
Just bought a 70-inch TV on an impulse. My bad.
Maya
You're actually out of your mind. You can't even pay rent.
💡
Ryan uses 'on an impulse' to describe a sudden, unplanned purchase, while Maya responds with the idiom 'out of your mind' to express that his behavior is irrational or crazy, highlighting her role as the pragmatic reality-check for Ryan.