Understanding “Hurriedly”: Definition and Synonyms
Hurriedly – Definition and Part of Speech
The word hurriedly is an adverb that describes doing something in a hasty or rushed manner, often due to time constraints or urgency. It conveys the idea of speed and lack of thoroughness, suggesting that tasks are performed with minimal attention to detail.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapidly | Implies speed but not necessarily lack of care. | “She packed her bags rapidly before the flight.” | Formal, Business |
| Swiftly | Suggests quickness and efficiency. | “He completed the task swiftly to meet the deadline.” | Academic, Informal |
| Hastily | Conveys a sense of urgency and potential carelessness. | “They left hastily after receiving the news.” | Casual, Creative Writing |
| Precipitately | Implies rashness or sudden action without careful thought. | “He made the decision precipitately in his panic.” | Formal, Academic |
Usage Notes
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Rapidly is often used in formal or business contexts where speed is emphasized but not necessarily at the expense of quality.
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Swiftly can be employed in both academic and informal settings to convey efficiency and quickness without implying disorder.
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Hastily is suitable for casual conversation and creative writing, highlighting urgency that might lead to mistakes due to rushing.
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Precipitately is more formal and typically used in written English, especially in academic or literary contexts, to describe actions taken suddenly and without adequate consideration.
Common Pitfalls
When choosing a synonym for “hurriedly,” it’s important to consider the nuances of urgency, carelessness, and efficiency. Misusing these synonyms can lead to confusion about the nature of the action being described:
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Rapidly vs. Hastily: While both imply speed, rapidly does not necessarily suggest a lack of care, unlike hastily.
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Swiftly vs. Precipitately: Swiftly is neutral regarding the consequences of haste, whereas precipitately often carries negative connotations about rash decisions.
Final Recap
In summary, “hurriedly” and its synonyms like “rapidly,” “swiftly,” “hastily,” and “precipitately” offer various shades of meaning related to speed and urgency. Understanding these nuances can enhance your vocabulary and precision in both writing and conversation.
To practice using these words effectively:
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Try incorporating them into sentences relevant to your daily activities or interests.
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Experiment with their usage in different contexts, such as emails for work (rapidly), academic essays (swiftly), personal anecdotes (hastily), or critical analyses (precipitately).
By doing so, you’ll develop a more intuitive grasp of when and how each word is best applied, enriching both your written and spoken communication skills.