Swiftly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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swiftly
[ˈswɪftli ]
Definitions
moving quickly
In a swift or quick manner; with speed or promptness.
Synonyms
fast, promptly, quickly, rapidly, speedily.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| swiftly |
Best used when emphasizing the smooth and efficient nature of the action, often in formal or poetic contexts.
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| quickly |
Appropriate for everyday use when simply referring to something done in a short amount of time.
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| rapidly |
Often used to describe processes or changes occurring in a short time, and can be slightly more formal.
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| speedily |
More commonly used in formal contexts or older literary works; implies a sense of urgency.
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| promptly |
Best used when emphasizing punctuality or the quick response to a request or command.
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| fast |
This is the most generic term for describing high speed and can be used in almost any context, informal or formal.
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Examples of usage
- She ran swiftly to catch the bus.
- He completed the task swiftly and efficiently.
- The wind blew swiftly through the trees.
- The cheetah ran swiftly to catch its prey.
- We need to act swiftly to address this issue.
done with speed
Done or performed quickly or promptly.
Synonyms
fast, prompt, quick, rapid, speedy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| swiftly |
Similar to 'swiftly' but emphasizing elegance and smoothness in rapid motion.
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| quick |
Commonly used to describe something that takes a short amount of time or requires little effort to achieve speed.
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| rapid |
Often used to describe something that happens very fast, especially in contexts like growth or changes.
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| speedy |
Informal way to emphasize haste, often used in conversational language. Can imply efficiency along with speed.
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| prompt |
Used to describe something that is done quickly and without delay, often with a sense of urgency or efficiency.
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| fast |
General term for high speed. Can be used in many situations, from physical speed to quickness in completing tasks.
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Examples of usage
- The team made a swift decision to move forward with the project.
- She gave a swift response to the email.
- He is known for his swift actions in times of crisis.
- The company provided swift customer service.
- The swift delivery of the package exceeded expectations.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Language and Usage
- 'Swiftly' is often used in literature to create a sense of urgency or speed, enhancing the emotional impact of a scene.
- Common phrases include 'swiftly flowing river' or 'move swiftly', both emphasizing rapid movement.
Pop Culture
- In the world of literature, characters often 'act swiftly' to propel the story forward, particularly in thrillers and adventures.
- Film and video games frequently use the theme of 'swift action' to engage the audience and keep the tempo exciting.
Nature
- Many animals are described as swift, like the peregrine falcon, which is the fastest bird, reaching speeds over 240 mph when diving.
- Swift currents in rivers and oceans have a crucial role in ecosystems, affecting transport and migration of aquatic species.
Origin of 'swiftly'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'swift' comes from Old English 'swift' meaning 'quick' or 'active'.
- It has Germanic roots, linking to words in other languages that also mean fast, such as the German 'schnell'.
The word 'swiftly' originated from the Old English word 'swiftlīce', which means quickly or promptly. The adverb 'swiftly' has been in use for centuries to describe actions or movements done with speed and efficiency. It is derived from the adjective 'swift', which has roots in various Germanic languages. Over time, 'swiftly' has become a common adverb in the English language, used to convey the idea of quickness and promptness.