celerity

[ suh-ler-i-tee ]

noun

1. swiftness; speed.

   Synonyms: dispatch, alacrity

celerity

/ sɪˈlɛrɪtɪ /

noun

1. rapidity; swiftness; speed

Word History and Origins

Origin of celerity¹

First recorded in 1480–90; earlier celerite, from Middle French, from Latin celeritās, equivalent to celer “swift” + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of celerity¹

C15: from Old French celerite, from Latin celeritās, from celer swift

Synonym Study

See speed.

Example Sentences

But the novel disappeared under the clothes with amazing celerity as the voice of her sister-in-law demanded admission.

From Project Gutenberg

Haggard had disappeared with the celerity of a harlequin who jumps through a trap.

From Project Gutenberg

The man Parsons started to his feet with equal celerity, and the two men stood glaring at each other.

From Project Gutenberg

These presently drained into a burn that made off, with little noise and no celerity of pace, about the corner of the hill.

From Project Gutenberg

He shot out his hand and produced his watch with the celerity of a sleight-of-hand performer.

From Project Gutenberg