fast motion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical/Media (Film, Video), Informal (when used metaphorically)
Quick answer
What does “fast motion” mean?
A filming or video technique where the action appears significantly sped up compared to real time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A filming or video technique where the action appears significantly sped up compared to real time.
A general state of rapid activity or movement; the visual effect of time appearing to pass quickly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The technical term is identical. Collocational preferences may vary slightly based on regional film/TV industry jargon.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both technical contexts. The metaphorical use might be slightly more frequent in American informal speech.
Grammar
How to Use “fast motion” in a Sentence
[watch/see/film] + NP + in fast motionuse fast motion to + VNP + is/are + in fast motionfast motion + N (e.g., fast motion photography)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fast motion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb. Use 'speed up'.)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb. Use 'fast-forward' for playback.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The fast-motion sequence showed the flower blooming.
- It was a brilliant piece of fast-motion cinematography.
American English
- The fast-motion effect made the traffic look comical.
- She specializes in fast-motion photography.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in media/production businesses. 'We'll use fast motion to show the construction progress.'
Academic
Used in film studies, media studies, and physics (optics). 'The paper analysed the semiotics of fast motion in silent comedy.'
Everyday
Used to describe videos or metaphorically describe a hectic pace. 'I filmed the clouds in fast motion.' / 'My morning was a blur, like living in fast motion.'
Technical
Core term in filmmaking, videography, and video editing software. 'Apply a 400% fast motion effect to this clip.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fast motion”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fast motion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fast motion”
- Using 'fast motion' as a verb (e.g., 'He fast motioned the video'). Correct: 'He sped up the video' or 'He used fast motion.'
- Confusing 'fast motion' (recording technique) with 'fast-forward' (playback function).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related. 'Time-lapse' typically involves taking still photos at intervals and combining them, often showing very slow processes (e.g., plant growth). 'Fast motion' more broadly refers to any video played back faster than it was recorded, including standard high-speed filming played back at normal speed.
Yes, but this is a metaphorical, informal use. For example: 'The day went by in a blur of fast motion.' In formal writing, words like 'hectic' or 'frantic' are preferable.
The direct technical opposite is 'slow motion'. The conceptual opposite in a metaphorical sense could be 'slow pace' or 'leisurely pace'.
Typically not when used as a noun phrase ('watched in fast motion'). A hyphen is often used when it functions as a compound modifier before a noun ('a fast-motion effect').
A filming or video technique where the action appears significantly sped up compared to real time.
Fast motion is usually technical/media (film, video), informal (when used metaphorically) in register.
Fast motion: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɑːst ˈməʊʃn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfæst ˈmoʊʃn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Life in fast motion”
- “like watching something in fast motion”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'fast-forward' button on a remote. 'Fast motion' is like pressing fast-forward on real life.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS MOTION (specifically, RAPID VISUAL CHANGE IS RAPID PHYSICAL MOVEMENT).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary technical meaning of 'fast motion'?