celerity
Americannoun
noun
Synonym Usage
See speed.
Etymology
Origin of celerity
First recorded in 1480–90; earlier celerite, from Middle French, from Latin celeritās, equivalent to celer “swift” + -itās -ity
Explanation
While it looks a lot like "celery," celerity means something that vegetables are not — fast moving. Gossip often travels with celerity, as do children trying to get to a big plate of cookies. When you see the word celerity, think accelerate, like a car when you step on the gas. Both words share the Latin root celer which means "swift." You may want to study for exams with celerity, but using a slower, more methodical approach will often yield better results.
Vocabulary lists containing celerity
The Call of the Wild
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Pride and Prejudice
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Dracula
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And if meat must be produced ever more quickly, surely it should also be consumed with maximum celerity?
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026
Enriquez’s plots deteriorate with satisfying celerity: In “The Cart,” a curse strips an entire neighborhood of its livelihood within approximately three pages.
From New York Times ● Feb. 2, 2021
The officer reacted with celerity, producing, seemingly out of nowhere, a tube that he deposited in his master’s hand.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 2, 2018
It is time for her and the state of West Virginia to get on with it - celerity and all.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 27, 2017
She hastened to ring the bell; and when the tray came, she proceeded to arrange the cups, spoons, &c., with assiduous celerity.
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
