C1verb2K

Accelerate

UK /["/əkˈseləreɪt/","/əkˈseləreɪts/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪd/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/əkˈseləreɪt/","/əkˈseləreɪts/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪd/","/əkˈseləreɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to happen faster or earlier; to make something happen faster or earlier

In simple words: To go faster or make something go faster.

Examples

  • The company aims to accelerate the development of new technologies.
  • You must accelerate the process if you want to meet the deadline.
  • As the vehicle began to accelerate, I felt the pressure push me back into my seat.
  • To win the race, the driver had to accelerate faster than his competitors.
  • The government implemented changes to accelerate economic growth.
  • During the meeting, they discussed ways to accelerate team performance.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and casual contexts, often related to speed, processes, or improvements. Not typically used in very informal conversation.

Grammar pattern

accelerate + object

Memory hint

Think 'a-sell-er-eight' — imagine a fast car selling its speed.

Collocations

  • dramatically
  • greatly
  • rapidly
  • hard
  • quickly
  • smoothly

Synonyms

  • hasten
  • speed up
  • quicken
  • advance
  • boost

Antonyms

  • decelerate
  • slow down

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.