Speed
UK /["/spiːd/"]/US /["/spiːd/"]/
Definition
the rate at which somebody/something moves or travels
In simple words: How fast something moves.
Examples
- The speed of the car was incredible as it raced down the highway.
- You need to increase your speed if you want to finish the race on time.
- The teacher taught us about the speed of light and its importance in science.
- I love the speed at which you can download movies with my new internet connection.
- They measured the speed of the runner during the competition.
Usage notes
Use 'speed' in everyday conversations about how quickly something happens. It is appropriate in most contexts, but avoid using it in highly technical discussions unless specifying the type of speed.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'speedy' like 'speed' — both are quick!
Collocations
- amazing
- astonishing
- breakneck
- burst
- rate
- attain
- reach
- build up
- increase
- decrease
- control
- reduction
- restriction
- at speed
- in speed
- with speed
- at full speed
- full speed
- full speed ahead
- amazing
- astonishing
- breakneck
- burst
- rate
- attain
- reach
- build up
- increase
- decrease
- control
- reduction
- restriction
- at speed
- in speed
- with speed
- at full speed
- full speed
- full speed ahead
- amazing
- astonishing
- breakneck
- burst
- rate
- attain
- reach
- build up
- increase
- decrease
- control
- reduction
- restriction
- at speed
- in speed
- with speed
- at full speed
- full speed
- full speed ahead
Synonyms
- velocity
- quickness
- swiftness
- rapidity
- haste
Antonyms
- slowness
- laziness
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'speed' with 'pace' when referring to a specific time or distance.
- Incorrectly using 'speed' as a verb in sentences.
- Saying 'the speed' when discussing averages — should specify the context (e.g., 'average speed').