Hastily - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

Acting "hastily" means doing something with excessive speed and a lack of careful consideration. It suggests impulsiveness and a rush to action without thinking things through. Imagine making a snap decision without weighing the consequences, or quickly blurting out an answer without thinking about it first. Hastily acting often leads to errors or regrets. It is similar to acting recklessly or impulsively, rather than thoughtfully. Being hasty is the antonym of being deliberate. Making choices hastily is like jumping to conclusions without all the facts.

Etymology

The word "hastily" comes from the Old French word "hastif," meaning "quick" or "speedy." "Hastif" is derived from "haste," which means "rapidity of motion or action." The suffix "-ly" turns it into an adverb, describing how something is done. Over time, "hastily" evolved to signify not just speed but also a lack of care. Its linguistic journey reflects the potential pitfalls of acting too quickly. Now we use the word to mean moving with reckless speed.

Related Words

Examples

• "He hastily agreed to the deal without reading the fine print."
• "She hastily replied to the email in anger."
• "The students hastily completed the assignment, making many mistakes."
• "He hastily apologized, but the damage was already done."

Encouragement

Use "hastily" to describe actions done quickly and without enough thought. It adds a sense of impulsiveness and potential regret to your writing. Remember, sometimes it's better to pause and consider before acting. 👍

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