Hurrying: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "hurrying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apressando

🇮🇳 जल्दी करना

🇩🇪 eilen

🇮🇩 bergegas

🇺🇦 поспішати

🇵🇱 spieszyć się

🇯🇵 急ぐ (isogu)

🇫🇷 se dépêcher

🇪🇸 apurarse

🇹🇷 acele etmek

🇰🇷 서두르다 (seodureuda)

🇸🇦 يستعجل (yasta'jil)

🇨🇿 spěchat

🇸🇰 ponáhľať sa

🇨🇳 赶快 (gǎnkuài)

🇸🇮 hiteti

🇮🇸 flýta sér

🇰🇿 асығу

🇬🇪 ჩქარობს (chqarobs)

🇦🇿 tələsmək

🇲🇽 apurarse

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.