Word: Impulse-Buy
Definition:
An "impulse-buy" is when someone buys something quickly, without thinking carefully about it. It usually happens when a person sees something attractive or interesting and decides to buy it right away, instead of planning the purchase.
Usage Instructions:
- "Impulse-buy" can be used as a verb: "to impulse-buy" something. - It can also be used as a noun: "an impulse buy" refers to the item that was bought on impulse.
Examples:
- As a verb: "I usually try not to impulse-buy when I go shopping, but that beautiful dress caught my eye!" - As a noun: "My last trip to the store ended with a few impulse buys that I didn’t really need."
Advanced Usage:
In retail and marketing contexts, businesses often try to encourage impulse-buying by placing attractive items near the checkout counter or using special promotions.
Word Variants:
- Impulse (noun): A sudden strong wish or urge to act. - Impulse (adjective): Related to or resulting from a sudden urge.
Different Meanings:
- While “impulse” can refer to a sudden urge in a general sense, in this context, it specifically relates to buying behavior.
Synonyms:
- Unplanned purchase - Snap decision purchase - Spontaneous buy
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
- "On a whim": This phrase can also describe making a spontaneous decision, similar to impulse-buying. For example, "I bought that book on a whim." - "Cave in to temptation": This idiom means to give in to a desire, which can relate to impulse-buying something you didn’t plan to buy.