speedwriting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “speedwriting” mean?
A proprietary system of fast handwriting using simplified symbols, designed for note-taking and dictation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proprietary system of fast handwriting using simplified symbols, designed for note-taking and dictation.
The act or skill of writing very quickly, especially using a specific shorthand system like the Speedwriting method; can also refer informally to the skill of typing or composing text at a high rate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly known and referenced in American contexts due to its origins and marketing history. In the UK, 'shorthand' (e.g., Pitman, Gregg) is a more generic, dominant term.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes business efficiency and secretarial training from the mid-20th century. May have an outdated, analog feel.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher recognition in American English among older generations or in historical business contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “speedwriting” in a Sentence
to learn speedwritingto take a course in speedwritingto use speedwriting for notesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “speedwriting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is learning to speedwrite to keep up with the lecturer's pace.
- The secretary was trained to speedwrite dictation accurately.
American English
- He took a class to learn how to speedwrite minutes for the board.
- Older manuals taught how to speedwrite using abbreviated letters.
adverb
British English
- N/A (The adverb form 'speedwritingly' is not standard or used.)
American English
- N/A (The adverb form 'speedwritingly' is not standard or used.)
adjective
British English
- Her speedwriting skills landed her the job as a personal assistant.
- They found a vintage speedwriting textbook in the attic.
American English
- He enrolled in a speedwriting course at the community college.
- The speedwriting method uses the standard alphabet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Historically used for secretarial work and meeting minutes; now rare outside historical reference.
Academic
Mentioned in linguistics or business history courses as an example of writing systems.
Everyday
Virtually unused in casual conversation.
Technical
A specific term in paleography, historiography of writing systems, or vocational training archives.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “speedwriting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “speedwriting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “speedwriting”
- Using it as a verb ('I speedwrote the letter' is non-standard). Confusing it with 'speed reading'. Misspelling as 'speed writing' (two words when referring to the system).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Speedwriting is a specific type of shorthand system that uses abbreviations and simplifications of the standard alphabet, unlike systems like Gregg or Pitman which use unique symbols.
Its use has declined dramatically with the advent of audio recording and digital transcription software, though it may still be taught in some niche vocational courses or studied historically.
Yes, resources and manuals for the Speedwriting system can be found online, though they are less common than materials for more widespread shorthand systems.
Yes, 'Speedwriting' was a trademarked name for a specific system invented by Emma Dearborn, though the term is also used generically at times.
A proprietary system of fast handwriting using simplified symbols, designed for note-taking and dictation.
Speedwriting is usually formal / technical in register.
Speedwriting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspiːdraɪtɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspiːdraɪt̬ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly; related to 'write at breakneck speed'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SPEED + WRITING: Imagine writing so fast your pen SPEEDS across the page.
Conceptual Metaphor
WRITING IS A RACE (to capture speech).
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of the Speedwriting system?