Speedy: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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'.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "speedy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rápido

🇮🇳 तेज

🇩🇪 schnell

🇮🇩 cepat

🇺🇦 швидкий

🇵🇱 szybki

🇯🇵 速い (はやい)

🇫🇷 rapide

🇪🇸 rápido

🇹🇷 hızlı

🇰🇷 빠른

🇸🇦 سريع

🇨🇿 rychlý

🇸🇰 rýchly

🇨🇳 快速的 (kuàisù de)

🇸🇮 hitro

🇮🇸 hraður

🇰🇿 жылдам

🇬🇪 სწრაფი

🇦🇿 sürətli

🇲🇽 rápido

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.