Hurrying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hurrying

[ˈhʌr.iɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

quickly

Moving or acting with haste; rushing. To speed up the progress or completion of something.

Synonyms

accelerate, hasten, rush, speed up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hurrying

Used when someone needs to move quickly because of limited time or urgency.

  • She was hurrying to catch the bus
  • They are hurrying to finish the project before the deadline
rush

Implies a sense of urgency and often lack of preparation; it can have a negative connotation if overused.

  • He had to rush to get to the meeting on time
  • Don't rush your decisions; take your time to think
hasten

A more formal or literary word used when emphasizing swiftness, often in written or spoken contexts that are more descriptive.

  • She hastened to add that she didn't mean to offend anyone
  • The government is hastening its efforts to combat the crisis
accelerate

Applied in situations where speed needs to increase, often used in scientific, technical, or formal contexts.

  • The car began to accelerate on the highway
  • We need to accelerate the development process to meet our goals
speed up

Commonly used in everyday speech to indicate the need for increased speed in doing something.

  • Can you speed up the process? We need to speed up if we want to catch the last train

Examples of usage

  • She was hurrying to catch the train before it departed.
  • He hurried through his homework so he could go out and play with his friends.
Context #2 | Noun

quickly

The act of moving or acting with haste; rushing. A state of urgency or haste.

Synonyms

haste, hustle, rush, urgency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hurrying

Generally used to describe someone moving or acting with great speed, often when they are late or need to complete something quickly.

  • She was hurrying to catch the last bus
  • He didn't have time to chat because he was hurrying to finish his report
rush

Describes a situation where everything is done very quickly, often because of limited time. It’s versatile and can describe both actions and feelings of urgency.

  • There was a rush to get out of the building during the fire drill
  • Don’t rush your homework
haste

Refers to quickness or speed, often suggesting a lack of careful thought or planning. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • In her haste to leave, she forgot her keys
  • Haste makes waste
urgency

Describes a situation or feeling that requires immediate attention, highlighting the importance and seriousness of the matter.

  • The doctor spoke with a sense of urgency
  • There’s an urgency to address climate change
hustle

Implies energetic or determined effort, often in a lively or busy environment. It can sometimes have a positive connotation implying hard work and determination.

  • You need to hustle if you want to catch the train
  • The team hustled to prepare for the big event

Examples of usage

  • She was in a hurry to get to the meeting on time.
  • The hurry of the situation made him forget his keys.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being in a hurry can lead to increased stress levels, often affecting decision-making abilities.
  • Several studies suggest that people in a rush tend to overlook important details, leading to mistakes.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, hurrying is viewed as a negative trait, symbolizing lack of patience or control.
  • Conversely, other cultures might celebrate efficiency, seeing hurrying as a way to maximize productivity.

Literature

  • Hurrying often portrays urgency or anxiety in stories, reflecting characters' inner turmoil as they face challenges.
  • Classic literature frequently depicts hurried actions as a metaphor for the frantic pace of modern life.

Everyday Life

  • Many people rush in the morning trying to get ready for work or school, which can set a hectic tone for the day.
  • In urban environments, hurrying is common, often leading to crowded public spaces as many navigate the same path.

Origin of 'hurrying'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'hurrien,' which means to move briskly or quickly.
  • It’s related to a variety of words in different languages that imply speed or rush, such as 'hurried' in modern use.

The word 'hurrying' is derived from the Old English word 'hurrian', which means 'to move or run with speed'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the act of moving quickly or acting with haste.


See also: hurried, hurriedly, hurry, unhurried.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,458, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.