Posthaste Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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posthaste
[หpลstหhฤst ]
Definition
immediate action
Posthaste is an archaic term that means to do something with great speed or urgency. It originates from the phrase 'post haste,' which originally referred to sending messages via horseback, requiring swift delivery. The term conveys a sense of immediacy, often used to emphasize how quickly something must be done. In contemporary language, it suggests that an action needs to be accomplished without delay.
Synonyms
immediately, swiftly, urgently, without delay.
Examples of usage
- He left the office posthaste.
- She returned home posthaste after hearing the news.
- The package must be delivered posthaste.
Translations
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Origin of 'posthaste'
The term 'posthaste' comes from the Middle English phrase 'post haste,' which itself is derived from the Latin word 'haste,' meaning urgency. This phrase was used in the 15th century in England to describe the quick delivery of letters and messages, especially those sent via the postal system employing fast horses. The efficient manner of delivering communications was critical in historical contexts, where timely information could alter decisions and events. As postal services evolved, the phrase became more generalized in its use, referring to any action performed quickly. Over the centuries, the term has retained its connotation of speed and urgency, although it is now considered somewhat formal or outdated.