Headlong: meaning, definitions and examples

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headlong

 

[ หˆhษ›dหŒlษ”ล‹ ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

without delay

In a headlong manner means to rush or move forward with great speed and without careful consideration. It often implies a reckless or hasty approach to a situation.

Synonyms

hastily, precipitously, recklessly

Examples of usage

  • He ran headlong into the street without looking.
  • She dived headlong into her new project.
  • They charged headlong into the debate, eager to share their opinions.
Context #2 | Adjective

rushing forward

Headlong can also describe a physical movement that is fast and uncontrolled. It suggests a lack of caution or a loss of balance as one moves forward.

Synonyms

impetuous, rapid, speedy

Examples of usage

  • The headlong rush of the river was impressive.
  • He took a headlong fall down the staircase.
  • In the headlong pursuit of his dreams, he neglected important details.

Translations

Translations of the word "headlong" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น de cabeรงa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฟเคฐ เค•เฅ‡ เคฌเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช kopfรผber

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ terbalik

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะฐะพัะปั–ะฟ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ na gล‚owie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ ญใ‹ใ‚‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tรชte la premiรจre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ de cabeza

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท baลŸ aลŸaฤŸฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋จธ๋ฆฌ๋ถ€ํ„ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑุฃุณุงู‹

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hlavou dolลฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hlavou dolu

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅคดๆœไธ‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ na glavo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hauskalega

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐัั‹ ั‚ำฉะผะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒแƒ•แƒ˜แƒ— แƒฅแƒ•แƒ”แƒ›แƒแƒ—

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ baลŸ รผstษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ de cabeza

Etymology

The term 'headlong' is derived from the Middle English word 'hedlone,' which consists of 'head' and 'long.' The original meaning conveyed the idea of moving with one's head leading, suggesting a forward thrusting motion. The concept of recklessness associated with the word evolved from this physicality, emphasizing motion that lacks deliberation or caution. Over the centuries, 'headlong' has preserved its association with both physical and metaphorical meanings of hastiness and urgency, making it a versatile term in the English language. The first recorded use is from around the 14th century, indicating its long-standing presence in English literature and speech.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,423, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.