Swiftness: meaning, definitions and examples
⚡
swiftness
[ˈswɪftnəs ]
Definitions
in motion
The quality or state of being swift; rapidity of motion or action.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| swiftness |
Used to describe rapid movement or prompt actions, often with an emphasis on elegance or smoothness.
|
| speed |
Widely used to speak about the rate of movement or progress of something, often in technical or everyday contexts.
|
| quickness |
General term for fast actions or reactions, suitable for everyday conversation.
|
| celerity |
A more formal term used in professional or literary contexts to describe quickness in movement or action.
|
Examples of usage
- The cheetah is known for its swiftness in chasing down its prey.
- She crossed the finish line with remarkable swiftness.
response
The quality of being prompt or quick in action or decision.
Synonyms
expeditiousness, promptness, quickness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| swiftness |
Used to describe rapid movement or action without much focus on detail. Often used in poetic or descriptive writing.
|
| promptness |
Indicates timeliness and quick response, usually in a positive and courteous manner.
|
| quickness |
Describes general speed or the ability to think and move fast. Often used in everyday conversations.
|
| expeditiousness |
Refers to efficiency and speed, often used in formal or business contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- His swiftness in answering the question impressed the audience.
- We need to act with swiftness to address this issue.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word originates from the Old English 'swift,' meaning 'fast or quick.'
- It has roots in similar words in Old High German and Old Norse, both referring to speed.
- The concept of swiftness has been important in various cultures, often linked to agility and efficiency.
Literature
- In classical poems, swiftness is often used to describe heroes and their abilities to act quickly in battle.
- Authors like Shakespeare and Homer have incorporated themes of swiftness to emphasize the urgency of moments in their narratives.
- Swiftness is frequently portrayed as a desirable trait in characters, symbolizing intelligence and resourcefulness.
Science
- In physics, the swift motion of objects is described in terms of velocity, which is speed in a specific direction.
- Some animals have evolved to possess swiftness as an adaptation for hunting or escaping predators, influencing survival.
- The study of aerodynamic designs often focuses on achieving swiftness, leading to innovations in transportation.
Cultural References
- In many cultures, swiftness is celebrated in sports, symbolizing strength and competitive spirit.
- Folk tales often feature swift animals, like the hare in 'The Tortoise and the Hare,' teaching moral lessons about speed and patience.
- In technology, swiftness is a key selling point for gadgets, where speed enhances user experience.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that people often associate swiftness with competence, influencing perceptions in professional settings.
- Swift decision-making can be linked to both positive outcomes and hasty mistakes, impacting life choices.
- The human brain processes information in varying speeds, where training can enhance cognitive swiftness.
Translations
Translations of the word "swiftness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 rapidez
🇮🇳 तीव्रता
🇩🇪 Schnelligkeit
🇮🇩 kecepatan
🇺🇦 швидкість
🇵🇱 szybkość
🇯🇵 迅速さ (じんそくさ)
🇫🇷 rapidité
🇪🇸 rapidez
🇹🇷 hız
🇰🇷 신속
🇸🇦 سرعة
🇨🇿 rychlost
🇸🇰 rýchlosť
🇨🇳 迅速 (xùnsù)
🇸🇮 hitrost
🇮🇸 hraði
🇰🇿 жылдамдық
🇬🇪 სისწრაფე
🇦🇿 sürət
🇲🇽 rapidez