incontinently

incontinently

He incontinently burst into laughter upon hearing the joke.

Definition
  1. Adverb:
    • Without restraint or self-control: "incontinently" describes an action done without the ability to control or contain oneself, often in a physical or moral sense.
    • Immediately or at once: In older or literary usage, "incontinently" means without delay or instantly.
Usage Examples

  • Without restraint:

    • He spoke incontinently, blurting out secrets he had promised to keep. (He spoke without self-control, revealing information he should have kept hidden.)
    • She laughed incontinently at the joke, unable to stop herself. (She laughed without restraint, unable to control her reaction.)

  • Immediately:

    • The king ordered the messenger to be brought incontinently before him. (The king ordered the messenger to be brought at once, without any delay.)
    • As soon as the bell rang, the students left the room incontinently. (The students left the room immediately, without hesitation.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to act incontinently": to behave without moral or physical self-control.

    • The drunkard acted incontinently, shouting and stumbling in the street. (He behaved without restraint, unable to control his actions.)

  • "to reply incontinently": to answer immediately and without thought.

    • She replied incontinently to the question, not pausing to consider her words. (She answered at once, without careful reflection.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Incontinent (adj): lacking self-control, especially in bodily functions or moral behavior.

    • The patient was incontinent and required special care. (The patient could not control bodily functions.)

  • Continence (n): self-restraint, especially in sexual matters or bodily functions.

    • He practiced continence as part of his religious discipline. (He exercised self-control.)
Synonyms
  • Immediately: without any delay; instantly.
  • Without restraint: without holding back or limiting oneself.
  • Uncontrollably: in a manner that cannot be controlled or stopped.
Related Idioms

  • "at the drop of a hat": immediately and without hesitation (similar to "incontinently" in the sense of instant action).

    • He would help anyone at the drop of a hat. (He would help instantly, without delay.)

  • "without a second thought": without pausing to consider; immediately.

    • She accepted the offer without a second thought. (She accepted immediately, without thinking.)