fast
C2 (Very High Frequency)Neutral (Used across all registers from informal to formal)
Definition
Meaning
Moving or happening at high speed; quick.
Can describe the ability to move quickly, the rate of an event or process, the state of being secure or fixed firmly, a period of voluntary abstention from food, or a fabric dye that does not run.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has two primary and distinct clusters of meaning: 1) Speed/Rapidity and 2) Firmness/Security/Faithfulness. The 'abstain from food' sense is derived from the 'firm' cluster (to hold fast to a practice).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The word is used identically in core meanings. Minor differences in collocation frequency (e.g., 'fast asleep' is slightly more common in BrE). Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + fast (as adverb)[Link Verb] + fast (as adjective)fast + [Noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fast and loose”
- “play fast and loose with”
- “fast asleep”
- “pull a fast one”
- “hard and fast rules”
- “hold fast to”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We need a fast turnaround on this project." (Speed) / "He's a fast-track candidate for promotion." (Accelerated)
Academic
"The reaction proceeds at a fast rate." (Scientific) / "A fast dye was used to prevent colour migration." (Technical)
Everyday
"The internet is really fast today." / "He's a fast runner." / "I'm going to fast tomorrow."
Technical
"The processor has a fast clock speed." (Computing) / "Secure the line fast to the cleat." (Sailing)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Many people fast during Ramadan.
- She decided to fast for health reasons.
American English
- He's fasting for a medical test tomorrow.
- They fasted for 24 hours as a protest.
adverb
British English
- Don't drive so fast!
- The children were fast asleep.
- The boat was stuck fast in the mud.
American English
- He talks too fast for me.
- The door was frozen fast shut.
- Come here, fast!
adjective
British English
- He bought a very fast car.
- The dye is fast, so you can wash it at high temperatures.
- She is a fast friend.
American English
- We need a fast internet connection.
- Make sure the knot is fast before you climb.
- He's on the fast track to management.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The rabbit is very fast.
- My new bike is fast.
- He ran fast to the bus.
- The fast train to London leaves in five minutes.
- She fell fast asleep after the long journey.
- Is this colour fast, or will it run?
- The company is growing at a fast pace.
- We need to make a fast decision on this offer.
- He held fast to his principles despite the pressure.
- The political situation was changing fast, necessitating a new strategy.
- Her fast colour prints were renowned for their durability.
- They played fast and loose with the regulations, which ultimately led to their downfall.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'fast' car (speed) and a rope tied 'fast' (secure). Both are 'fast', but one moves and one doesn't.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEED IS VERTICALITY/UP ('fast forward', 'fast-track'), TIME IS MOTION ('time flies', 'fast approaching'), SECURITY IS STRENGTH ('hold fast', 'fast friends').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse adjective/adverb 'fast' with the noun 'fast' (пост). The adjective 'fast' for speed is 'быстрый', but 'fast colour' is 'стойкий цвет'. 'Fast asleep' is 'крепко спящий', not 'быстро спящий'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fastly' (incorrect; 'fast' is both adjective and adverb). Confusing 'fast' (speed) with 'quick' (often implies short duration *and* speed). Using 'fast' as a noun for speed ('at a fast' is wrong; use 'at high speed').
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'fast friends', the word 'fast' means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Fast' serves as both an adjective ('a fast car') and an adverb ('he ran fast'). 'Fastly' is archaic and not used in modern English.
Both imply speed. 'Fast' often describes sustained speed or rate ('a fast runner', 'a fast internet connection'). 'Quick' often implies a short response time or brief duration ('a quick reply', 'a quick shower'). They overlap significantly.
These are separate etymological developments. The 'secure/firm' meaning (from Old English 'fæst') is original. The 'rapid' meaning developed later, possibly from the idea of 'firmly/steadily' as in 'standing fast' evolving into 'moving steadily and vigorously'.
It primarily refers to the speed of service and the minimal time required for preparation and consumption, emphasizing convenience over culinary complexity.
Collections
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Basic Adjectives
A1 · 46 words · Fundamental describing words used every day.