Speedy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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speedy

[ˈspiːdi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

quick

Moving or able to move quickly.

Synonyms

fast, rapid, swift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
speedy

Used to describe something that happens or moves quickly, often implying efficiency and promptness. Commonly used in informal situations.

  • The repair service was very speedy; they fixed my car in just an hour.
  • Order a pizza from them if you want a speedy delivery.
fast

General term for something that moves quickly or happens in a short amount of time. Suitable for both formal and informal situations.

  • She is a fast runner and wins every race.
  • The internet connection in our office is really fast.
rapid

Often used in more formal or technical contexts to describe something that happens quickly, especially when it involves a series of quick changes.

  • The rapid growth of the tech industry is remarkable.
  • We need a rapid response to this emergency.
swift

Used to describe something that happens quickly and smoothly, often with an undertone of elegance. Slightly more formal.

  • The bird made a swift dive towards the water.
  • He took swift action to prevent the crisis.

Examples of usage

  • a speedy car
  • a speedy delivery
Context #2 | Adverb

quickly

At high speed; quickly.

Synonyms

quickly, rapidly, swiftly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
speedy

Used to describe a person or object that can move or act very fast, often implying efficiency.

  • The company provides a speedy delivery service.
  • He is a speedy runner.
quickly

Used to describe the manner in which an action is performed, emphasizing the short amount of time taken.

  • She finished her homework quickly.
  • We need to leave quickly if we want to make it on time.
rapidly

Used to describe a very fast rate or pace, often used in more formal or scientific contexts.

  • The disease is spreading rapidly.
  • Technology is evolving rapidly.
swiftly

Used to describe an action or movement that is done quickly and smoothly, often implying grace or purpose.

  • She moved swiftly across the room.
  • The police acted swiftly to resolve the situation.

Examples of usage

  • He completed the race speedily.
  • She worked speedily to finish the project on time.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In animated films, speedy characters, like The Flash or Sonic the Hedgehog, often embody humor and excitement.
  • The term is frequently used in sports commentary to describe athletes who move exceptionally fast, enhancing the drama of the event.
  • In video games, 'speedy' often relates to fast-paced gameplay, creating an adrenaline rush for players.

Science

  • In physics, speed is a measure of how fast an object is moving, defined as distance traveled over time.
  • Fast-moving objects can create sonic booms if they exceed the speed of sound, showcasing physical principles in action.
  • Speedy reactions in chemical processes can lead to explosive results, highlighting the importance of control in lab environments.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that fast-paced activities can increase adrenaline and lead to heightened focus or adrenaline rushes.
  • Speedy decisions can sometimes lead to better outcomes, known as the 'intuitive leap', where quick thinking proves advantageous.
  • On the flip side, making decisions too quickly can result in cognitive biases, showing that speed and thoughtfulness must be balanced.

Literature

  • In many stories, a 'speedy' character often drives the plot, creating excitement and pushing other characters toward their goals.
  • Authors use quick pacing in writing to create tension, with short sentences that reflect the swiftness of events unfolding.
  • Classic tales, like 'The Tortoise and the Hare', explore the theme of speed versus perseverance, leading to moral lessons about patience.

Origin of 'speedy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'speedy' comes from 'speed', which is derived from the Old English word 'spēd', meaning 'success or prosper'.
  • It entered common usage in the early 19th century to describe something that is particularly fast.
  • The suffix '-y' is often added to create adjectives that describe a quality, such as in 'windy' or 'foggy'.

The word 'speedy' originated in the 16th century from the word 'speed' meaning swiftness or rapidity. It has been used to describe quickness or rapid movement ever since.


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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,494 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.