Accelerate vs Hurry neo

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Accelerate

Top 2,000 (common)C1verb

Hurry neo

InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Accelerate
 AccelerateHurry neo
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/əkˈseləreɪt/","/əkˈseləreɪts/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪd/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əkˈseləreɪt/","/əkˈseləreɪts/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪd/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //ˈhʌri//🇺🇸 //ˈhɜri//
MeaningTo go faster or make something go faster.To move or act quickly.
ExampleThe company aims to accelerate the development of new technologies.You need to hurry, or you'll miss the bus!
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsdramatically, greatly, rapidly, hard, quickly, smoothlyhurry up, hurry back, hurry to, hurry home, hurry along
Antonymsdecelerate, slow down-
Common mistakesConfused 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.Using 'hurry' instead of 'hurry up' when asking someone to be quick., Confusing 'hurry' with 'rush' in contexts that imply different meanings., Incorrectly using 'hurry' in past tense without 'hurry up'.
Usage notesUsed in both formal and casual contexts, often related to speed, processes, or improvements. Not typically used in very informal conversation.Used to convey urgency. Common in casual settings. Not suitable for formal writing. Can imply impatience.

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Hurry neo

Frequently asked questions: Accelerate vs Hurry neo

What's the difference between Accelerate and Hurry neo?

Accelerate: To go faster or make something go faster. Hurry neo: To move or act quickly.

Which is more formal: Accelerate and Hurry neo?

Accelerate is the most formal of these.

Can you show an example of each?

Accelerate: The company aims to accelerate the development of new technologies. Hurry neo: You need to hurry, or you'll miss the bus!

Can I use Accelerate and Hurry neo interchangeably?

Not always. Accelerate and Hurry neo 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.

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