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Haste Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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haste

[heɪst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a hurry

Excessive speed or urgency of movement or action; hurry.

Synonyms

hurry, rush, urgency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
haste

Used when emphasizing excessive speed that might lead to mistakes or poor decision-making.

  • In his haste to finish, he forgot to check for errors.
  • Haste often results in regret.
urgency

Used when emphasizing the importance and need for immediate action, often in serious or critical contexts.

  • The urgency of the situation required immediate response.
  • He spoke with a sense of urgency in his voice.
rush

Used when someone is moving or acting quickly, often in a frantic or pressured manner.

  • There was a rush to get the report done before the meeting.
  • I had to rush through my homework.
hurry

Used in everyday situations to indicate that someone is doing something quickly, usually to meet a deadline or avoid being late.

  • Please hurry, we're going to be late!
  • I had to hurry to catch the bus.

Examples of usage

  • She completed the task with great haste.
  • He left the room in haste, forgetting his keys.
Context #2 | Verb

to do something quickly

Move or act quickly.

Synonyms

accelerate, hurry, rush.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
haste

Used to describe a situation where someone is acting very quickly, often with a sense of urgency or anxiety. It can imply that the speed may lead to mistakes or carelessness.

  • In their haste to leave, they forgot their passports
  • He submitted the report in haste and made several errors
rush

Conveys a sense of moving very quickly, often in a frantic or disorganized manner. It can have a negative connotation, suggesting lack of preparation or panic.

  • He had to rush to catch the last train
  • In the morning rush, she forgot to pack her lunch
hurry

Implies a need to move swiftly to avoid being late or to meet a deadline. It can be used in everyday situations and often suggests a sense of urgency.

  • Hurry up, we're going to be late for the movie! She hurried through her work to finish before the meeting
accelerate

Refers to the act of increasing speed, commonly used in the context of vehicles, projects, or progress in general. It doesn't carry a negative connotation.

  • The car began to accelerate as it moved onto the highway
  • We need to accelerate the project timeline to meet the deadline

Examples of usage

  • She hastened to finish her work before the deadline.
  • He hastened to catch the train before it left.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research suggests that haste can lead to poor decision-making as people often overlook important details when rushed.
  • Feeling rushed can increase stress levels, affecting overall mental well-being.
  • Studies show that multitasking under pressure often results in decreased productivity and more mistakes.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often act in haste, leading to dramatic misunderstandings and tragedies.
  • Many fables emphasize the consequences of acting hastily, teaching lessons about patience and thoughtfulness.
  • Literary heroes might rush into danger, showcasing how haste can lead to exciting adventures or perilous situations.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and movies often depict characters in a hurry, capturing the stress and rush of modern life.
  • Phrases like 'haste makes waste' appear in popular culture to warn against rushing decisions.
  • The fast-paced lifestyle in many urban settings highlights the prevalence of haste in daily routines.

Science

  • In the world of physics, certain processes happen at great speed, drawing parallels to the concept of haste in human actions.
  • Experiments indicate that tasks performed in haste can cause biological stress responses in the body.
  • Haste is sometimes studied in terms of how it affects cognitive function and brain efficiency during time-sensitive tasks.

Origin of 'haste'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'haste' comes from the Old French word 'hastes', which means 'speed' or 'quickness'.
  • Its roots trace back to the Latin word 'crastinus', which also refers to urgency and quickness.
  • Over time, 'haste' kept its meaning of hurry, showing the human desire to do things faster.

The word 'haste' originated from Middle English in the late 13th century, deriving from the Old French word 'haster' meaning 'to press, urge'. It has been used in English literature to convey the sense of urgency or quick action, often associated with time constraints or impatience.

See also: hasty.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,765 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.