hastily

UK: ˈheɪstɪli | US: ˈheɪstəli

Definition

  1. adv. in a hurried or rushed manner

  2. adv. without careful consideration; impulsively

Structure
haste <speed, urgency>ily <adverb suffix>
Etymology

hastily = haste<speed, urgency> + ily<adverb suffix>

  • haste: From Old French haste (speed, urgency), derived from Frankish haifst (violence, strife), related to Old English hǣst (violence). The modern sense emphasizes speed over force.
  • ily: A common English adverbial suffix derived from Old English -līce, used to form adverbs from adjectives (e.g., quickly, happily).

Etymology Origin:
The word hastily combines the urgency of haste with the adverbial -ily, creating a term that describes actions performed with excessive speed or insufficient deliberation. Its evolution reflects a shift from physical force (haste as violence) to temporal urgency (haste as speed).

Examples

  1. She hastily packed her bags before the train departed.

  2. He answered the question hastily, without thinking.

  3. The letter was written hastily, full of errors.

  4. They left the meeting hastily when the fire alarm sounded.

  5. Avoid making decisions hastily; take time to consider the consequences.