Hastily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hastily

[ˈheɪ.stəl.i ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a hurry

Done or made quickly or without enough care; doing something quickly, often too quickly and without thinking carefully

Synonyms

quickly, rapidly, speedily, swiftly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hastily

Use 'hastily' when emphasizing that something was done in a rushed or hurried manner, often with an implication that it might not be well thought out. This word may carry a negative connotation.

  • He hastily packed his bags and left the house
  • She hastily replied to the email without reading it carefully
quickly

Use 'quickly' to describe an action done with speed, but not necessarily in a rushed or careless way. It's neutral and commonly used in everyday situations.

  • She quickly finished her homework so she could watch TV
  • He quickly grabbed his coat and headed out the door
rapidly

Use 'rapidly' to describe something happening or moving very fast, especially when referring to significant changes or movements. Often used in more formal contexts.

  • The disease spread rapidly across the region
  • He is rapidly improving his skills
swiftly

Use 'swiftly' to describe an action done with smooth and efficient speed. It often carries a sense of grace or precision.

  • She swiftly navigated through the crowded room
  • The company swiftly adapted to the new market trends
speedily

Use 'speedily' when you want to emphasize the promptness or efficiency of an action. It's more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • The issue was resolved speedily by the customer service team
  • They speedily completed the project ahead of the deadline

Examples of usage

  • She glanced hastily at her watch.
  • He hastily scribbled a note and left it on the table.
  • I hastily packed my bags and rushed to the airport.
  • We hastily finished our meal and left the restaurant.
  • The decision was made hastily, without considering all the consequences.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that making decisions hastily can lead to errors in judgment and mistakes.
  • Stress and deadlines often push people to act hastily, which can affect the quality of work.
  • Some psychologists argue that slow decision-making is linked to better outcomes because it allows for more thorough thinking.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters who act hastily often face consequences, illustrating the theme of thoughtfulness versus recklessness.
  • Hastiness is a common trait in Shakespeare's plays, highlighting the conflict between emotion and reason.
  • Many poems reflect on the fleeting nature of time, suggesting that hasty actions can lead to missed opportunities.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict characters making hasty decisions in crises, which can lead to dramatic plot twists.
  • The phrase 'haste makes waste' appears in various songs and shows, reminding audiences of the importance of careful planning.
  • Social media sometimes encourages hasty reactions, often resulting in misunderstandings or backlash.

Everyday Life

  • In daily life, people often cook hastily when they're running late, which can result in burnt meals or forgotten ingredients.
  • Hasty decisions in shopping can lead to buyer's remorse due to impulsive choices.
  • School projects done hastily may lack detail and depth, emphasizing the value of taking time to reflect and refine work.

Origin of 'hastily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hastily' comes from the word 'haste', which means to hurry.
  • It has roots in Old French, where 'hastre' conveyed a sense of sudden action.
  • The Latin term 'haste' means quickness, showing the urgency in the word's origin.

The word 'hastily' originated from the Middle English word 'hastili', which came from the Old French word 'hastilment'. It has been in use since the 14th century. The adverb 'hastily' has evolved over time to signify doing something quickly or in a hurry. It is commonly used in both spoken and written English to describe actions that are done swiftly and often without proper consideration.


See also: hastiness.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,041 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.