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Speed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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speed

[spiหd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fast motion

Speed is the rate at which someone or something moves or operates or is able to move or operate.

Synonyms

pace, swiftness, velocity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
speed

Use when referring to how fast someone or something moves in general, regardless of consistency or rhythm.

  • The car's speed was over the legal limit.
  • He ran with incredible speed to catch the bus.
velocity

Mostly used in scientific or technical contexts to describe the speed of something in a specific direction.

  • The velocity of the rocket was carefully calculated before launch.
  • In physics, velocity is a vector quantity.
pace

Appropriate for describing the rate at which someone does something, especially in a controlled or measured manner.

  • He maintained a steady pace throughout the marathon.
  • Please keep up with the pace of the lecture.
swiftness

Best used in formal contexts to emphasize quickness and agility, often suggesting smooth and graceful movement.

  • The swiftness of the deer made it difficult to capture.
  • Her swiftness in finishing the project impressed everyone.

Examples of usage

  • The car was traveling at a speed of 100 miles per hour.
  • He was impressed by the speed of her response.
Context #2 | Noun

illegally high rate

Speed can also refer to the illegal practice of driving a vehicle faster than the legal limit.

Synonyms

exceeding the limit, racing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
speed

When referring to the general rate of motion or progress in any context, such as driving, running, or working faster.

  • The speed of the car was impressive
  • He completed the project with remarkable speed
exceeding the limit

This phrase is used specifically when someone goes beyond the allowed or legal limit, often in driving or regulations.

  • He was fined for exceeding the limit on the highway
  • Exceeding the limit on your credit card can result in penalties
racing

Used primarily in contexts relating to competitive events where speed is a key factor, such as car races, foot races, or even heart rates in certain situations.

  • They enjoyed an afternoon of horse racing
  • Her heart was racing with excitement

Examples of usage

  • He got a ticket for speeding on the highway.
  • Excessive speed is a major cause of accidents.
Context #3 | Verb

move quickly

To speed means to move quickly or to cause something to move quickly.

Synonyms

accelerate, hurry, rush.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
speed

This term is generally used to describe how fast something is moving, and is often associated with measurable velocity.

  • The car reached a speed of 100 km/h
  • The speed of light is extremely fast
hurry

This is typically used to express the need to move quickly due to time constraints. It can also imply urgency or impatience.

  • We need to hurry if we don't want to miss the train
  • Thereโ€™s no need to hurry; we have plenty of time
rush

This is similar to 'hurry' but can have a slightly more frantic or urgent connotation. It often implies a lack of careful planning or preparation.

  • She had to rush to get to the meeting on time
  • Donโ€™t rush; itโ€™s important to do it right
accelerate

This is used when you want to describe an increase in velocity. It's often used in technical and scientific contexts.

  • The vehicle will accelerate rapidly once you press the gas pedal
  • The company plans to accelerate its expansion next year

Examples of usage

  • She was speeding down the road to catch the bus.
  • The project was completed ahead of schedule due to everyone speeding up their work.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, speed is defined as distance traveled over time, often expressed in meters per second (m/s) or kilometers per hour (km/h).
  • The speed of light is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second, making it the fastest thing in the universe.
  • Quantum physics suggests that particles can exhibit instant speed, defying conventional understanding of movement.

Culture

  • Fast-paced lifestyles have led to the rise of 'speed dating', a social event to meet many potential romantic partners quickly.
  • In music, the term can describe genres or beats that evoke a sense of urgency, like fast rock or electronic dance music.

Technology

  • Advancements in technology have drastically increased data transfer speeds, impacting how we access and share information.
  • Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and plays a crucial role in streaming and online gaming experiences.

Sports

  • In sports, speed is a critical factor in performance, with athletes training rigorously to improve their quickness.
  • The world record for the fastest 100-meter sprint is held by Usain Bolt, who ran it in just 9.58 seconds.

Origin of 'speed'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Old English word 'spฤ“d', meaning success or prosperity, which evolved to signify quickness.
  • In Middle English, 'spede' was used to indicate both โ€˜to succeedโ€™ and โ€˜to hurry alongโ€™.

The word 'speed' originated from the Old English 'spฤ“d', meaning success, prosperity, swiftness of movement. Over time, it evolved to refer to the rate at which something moves. The concept of speed has been integral to human development, from transportation to communication, highlighting the importance of velocity in various aspects of life.

See also: speeder, speedily, speediness, speeding, speedster, speedy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,087, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.