celerity

American  

[suh-ler-i-tee] / səˈlɛr ɪ ti /

noun

1. swiftness; speed.

   Synonyms:

   dispatch, alacrity

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celerity British  

/ sɪˈlɛrɪtɪ /

noun

1. rapidity; swiftness; speed

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Related Words

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.

Example Sentences

“A revision made in response to an entry’s increased attention differs only in celerity — as always, all revisions reflect evidence of use.”

From Washington Times • Oct. 15, 2020

The desert reduces its victims with barbarous celerity, and few of them are identifiable by outward appearance.

From New York Times • Aug. 18, 2020

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

“If everyone shows good will, and contributes with responsibility, realism and celerity, we will get there.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2016

“I shall have to purchase another. But first, I have some need of sheets, a bolster, a fire, and, with an even greater show of celerity, Madame, a bucket into which I may vomit broth.”

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson