Faster - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

speed comparison

The word 'faster' is a comparative adjective used to describe something that moves, operates, or occurs at a greater speed than something else. It indicates an increase in speed or a reduction in the time taken to complete a task compared to another object or scenario. In many contexts, this term can be associated with physical movement, technology, or processes. For example, when comparing two cars, one might say, 'This car is faster than that one.'

Synonyms

hastier, quicker, speedier, swifter.

Examples of usage

He runs faster than anyone in the team.
This internet connection is faster than my previous one.
The cheetah is faster than any land animal.
She completed the assignment faster than I expected.

Interesting Facts

Science

In physics, speed refers to how fast an object moves, whereas faster implies an increase in speed compared to a previous state or another object.
According to the laws of motion, an object will move faster if a greater force is applied, demonstrating the relationship between force and speed.
Research indicates that cognitive speed can affect daily productivity – the faster someone processes information, the more efficiently they can work.

Sports

Athletes often train with the goal of becoming faster to enhance performance in competitions, showcasing the importance of speed in sports.
In track and field, sprinters strive to be faster than their opponents, using techniques like sprint drills to improve their speed.
The famous quote 'Faster, Higher, Stronger' represents the Olympic motto, emphasizing the pursuit of speed, skill, and strength in athletes.

Technology

The rapid development of technology has led to faster communication methods, such as instant messaging and video calls, connecting people worldwide in seconds.
Speed is a crucial factor in computing; faster processors allow for quicker data processing and improved overall performance of devices.
The internet has revolutionized how information is received, with faster connection speeds enabling streaming and downloading data almost instantaneously.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'Fast & Furious' celebrate speed and thrill, drawing audiences with adrenaline-pumping car chases and races.
In video games, characters that are faster often receive advantages, such as quicker reflexes or the ability to dodge attacks.
The phrase 'faster than a speeding bullet' is used in popular media to describe characters with superhuman speed, illustrating cultural fascination with quickness.

Origin of 'faster'

Main points about word origin

The word 'faster' comes from the Old English 'fæst', which meant firm or steadfast, evolving to mean quick over time.
In Middle English, 'faster' carried meanings related to strength and urgency, reflecting speed and effort.
The comparative form of 'fast', it shows a comparison between two or more things regarding speed.

The word 'faster' is derived from the Old English term 'fæst,' meaning firm, strong, or solid. Over time, this evolved into the Middle English 'fast,' which signified something that is quick or swift. The comparative form 'faster' emerged to express the idea of increased speed relative to another object, person, or situation. Linguistically, the transformation of this word reflects not only changes in pronunciation but also in its application across various contexts. The use of comparative adjectives like 'faster' became increasingly common in the English language, particularly in the context of technology and transportation, as societies began to emphasize speed as a desirable attribute.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,547, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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Faster Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations