Cool MateAccelerate vs Expedite
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Accelerate
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Expedite
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: ExpediteMost common: Accelerate
| Accelerate | Expedite | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əkˈseləreɪt/","/əkˈseləreɪts/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪd/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əkˈseləreɪt/","/əkˈseləreɪts/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪd/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈɛkspədaɪt//🇺🇸 //ˈɛkspədaɪt// |
| Meaning | To go faster or make something go faster. | To make something happen faster. |
| Example | The company aims to accelerate the development of new technologies. | We need to expedite the approval process for this project. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | dramatically, greatly, rapidly, hard, quickly, smoothly | expedite a process, expedite delivery, expedite approval, expedite a request, expedite a project |
| Antonyms | decelerate, slow down | delay, prolong, hinder |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'decelerate' (which means to slow down)., Using 'accelerate' without an object when it should have one., Incorrectly assuming it can only apply to vehicles. | Confused with 'expedite' vs 'expediting' - remember 'expedite' is the base form., Using 'expedite' with incorrect subjects - it should always be followed by an object., Assuming 'expedite' is interchangeable with 'speed up' in all contexts - it's more formal. |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and casual contexts, often related to speed, processes, or improvements. Not typically used in very informal conversation. | Use 'expedite' in formal contexts, especially in business or legal situations. Avoid casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Accelerate vs Expedite
What's the difference between Accelerate and Expedite?
Accelerate: To go faster or make something go faster. Expedite: To make something happen faster.
Which is more formal: Accelerate and Expedite?
Expedite is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Accelerate and Expedite?
Accelerate is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Accelerate: The company aims to accelerate the development of new technologies. Expedite: We need to expedite the approval process for this project.
Can I use Accelerate and Expedite interchangeably?
Not always. Accelerate and Expedite are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.