- 1moving or able to move quickly a fast car/horse the world's fastest runner
- 2happening in a short time or without delay the fastest rate of increase for years a fast response time
- 3able to do something quickly a fast learner surface
- 4producing or allowing quick movement a fast road/track see fast lane watch/clock
- 5[not before noun] showing a time later than the true time I'm early—my watch must be fast. That clock is ten minutes fast. firmly fastened
- 6(of a boat, etc.) firmly fastened or attached He made the boat fast. colors in clothes
- 7not likely to change or to come out when washed
- 8(technology) very sensitive to light, and therefore useful when taking photographs in poor light or of something that is moving very quickly There is no noun related to fast. Use speed in connection with vehicles, actions, etc.;quickness is used about thinking. Which Word?fast / quick / rapidThese adjectives are frequently used with the following nouns:
- Fast is used especially to describe a person or thing that moves or is able to move at great speed.
- Quick is more often used to describe something that is done in a short time or without delay.
- Rapid, swift, and speedy are more formal words.
- Rapid is most commonly used to describe the speed at which something changes. It is not used to describe the speed at which something moves or is done:a rapid train We had a rapid coffee.
- Swift usually describes something that happens or is done quickly and immediately:a swift decision The government took swift action.
- Speedy has a similar meaning:a speedy recovery. It is used less often to talk about the speed at which something moves:a speedy car
- For the use of fast and quick as adverbs, see the usage note at quick.
quick
| fast ~ | quick ~ | rapid ~ |
|---|---|---|
| car | glance | change |
| train | look | growth |
| runner | reply | increase |
| pace | decision | decline |
| lane | way | progress |
(of films/movies, shows, etc.) full of rapid action and sudden changes In his latest movie, the action is fast and furious.
a person who can talk very quickly and easily, but who cannot always be trusted As a politician, she had the reputation for being a real fast talker.
(especially after a negative) that cannot be changed in any circumstances There are no hard and fast rules about this. This situation isn't hard and fast.
to earn money quickly and easily This is a long-term project. We are not out to make a quick buck.
to trick someone
Check pronunciation: fast