WordGarden.iofast
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈɑːst/
US
- /ˈfæst/
Meanings
Adjective
moving, operating, or happening quickly
showing a time later than the correct time
Adverb
quickly or at high speed
firmly or securely in place
Verb
to abstain from food for a period of time
Noun
a period or practice of abstaining from food
Beyond the definition
The word "fast" may look simple, but it has several common meanings. Most often, it means moving at high speed, like a fast car or a fast runner. It can also describe something that happens quickly, such as a fast response or a fast learner.
But that is not the whole story. In phrases like "hold fast," it means to keep a firm grip or stay strong. And if a doctor tells you to "fast" before a test, they mean that you should not eat for a period of time. The meaning depends on the situation.
The word "fast" primarily describes speed or the rate at which something happens. A cheetah is a fast animal, and information travels at a fast pace across the internet. We use it to describe anything in motion: a fast train, a fast current, or a fast-paced lifestyle. Beyond physical movement, it can refer to time—a fast week seems to fly by—or efficiency, such as a fast typist or a fast reader.
Interestingly, "fast" also has an older meaning related to firmness and stability. In this sense, it means "firmly fixed" or "secure." This usage survives in phrases such as "hold fast," which means to keep a strong grip or remain faithful to an idea or purpose. In older or literary use, it can also describe something that stays firm and does not come loose easily.
Furthermore, "fast" can function as a noun or a verb in connection with food. A "fast" is a period of not eating, often for religious, medical, or health reasons, and to "fast" means to go without food for that time. It also appears in technical language about color: "fast colors" are colors that do not fade or wash out easily. From speed and quick action to firmness and not eating, "fast" changes meaning with the context around it.
Examples
- 1
Travel
We took a fast train to the airport.
- 2
Driving
Don't drive too fast on this road.
- 3
Technology
The new software is much faster than the old version.
- 4
Learning
She is a fast learner, so she was working on her own by Friday.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Messages
Thanks for the fast reply.
- 6
Sleep
The baby was fast asleep by eight.
- Phrasefast asleep
sleeping deeply
- 7
Clock accuracy
My watch is five minutes fast.
- 8
Quick meals
We grabbed some fast food before the movie.
- Phrasefast food
food made and served very quickly
- 9
Not eating
He's fasting today, so he won't join us for lunch.
See also
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- fastnounverbadjectiveadverb
Forms
- fastercomparativeadjectiveadverb
- fastestsuperlativeadjectiveadverb
- fasting-ing formverbadjectiveadverb
- fastedpast tenseverbadjectiveadverb
- fastspluralnounverbadjectiveadverb