Word of the Day: EXTEMPORIZE

To speak off the cuff

extemporize (verb) - to speak, perform, or create without preparation; to improvise or act extemporaneously [ik-stem-puh-rahyz]

BREAKDOWN: EX- (out) + TEMPO- (time) + -IZE (to make or do)

• extempore means performed without preparation; unscripted or impromptu

• ex tempore is a Latin phrase meaning on impulse or out of the moment

“Ceremony is really a protection, too, in times of emotional involvement, particularly at death. If we have a social formula to guide us and do not have to extemporize, we feel better able to handle life.” —Amy Vanderbilt