fast

Question

English - Pronunciation

(Received Pronunciation) enPR: fäst, IPA^(key): /fɑːst/
Rhymes: -ɑːst
(UK, US) enPR: făst, IPA^(key): /fæst/
Rhymes: -æst

English - Etymology 1

From Middle English _fast_, from Old English _fæst_ (“fast, fixed, firm, secure; constant, steadfast; stiff, heavy, dense; obstinate, bound, costive; enclosed, closed, watertight; strong, fortified”), from Proto-Germanic _*fastaz_, _*fastijaz_, _*fastuz_ (“fast, firm, secure”); see it for cognates and further etymology. The development of “rapid” from an original sense of “secure” apparently happened first in the adverb and then transferred to the adjective; compare _hard_ in expressions like “to run hard”. The original sense of “secure, firm” is now slightly archaic, but retained in the related _fasten_ (“make secure”). ADJECTIVE FAST (_comparative_ FASTER, _superlative_ FASTEST) * (dated) Firmly or securely fixed in place; stable. [from 9th c.] _That rope is dangerously loose. Make it FAST!_ * Firm against attack; fortified by nature or art; impregnable; strong. * Spenser outlaws […] lurking in woods and FAST places * (of people) Steadfast, with unwavering feeling. (Now only in set phrases like "fast friend".) [from 10th c.] * Moving with great speed, or capable of doing so; swift, rapid. [from 14th c.] _I am going to buy a FAST car._ * (computing, of a piece of hardware) Able to transfer data in a short period of time. * Deep or sound (of sleep); fast asleep (of people). [16th-19th c.] * Shakespeare all this while in a most FAST sleep * (of dyes or colours) Not running or fading when subjected to detrimental conditions such as wetness or intense light; permanent. [from 17th c.] _All the washing has come out pink. That red tee-shirt was not FAST._ * (obsolete) Tenacious; retentive. * Francis Bacon Roses, damask and red, are FAST flowers of their smells. * (colloquial) Having an extravagant lifestyle or immoral habits. [from 18th c.] _She's FAST – she slept with him on their first date._. * Ahead of the correct time or schedule. [from 19th c.] _There must be something wrong with the hall clock. It is always FAST._ * (of photographic film) More sensitive to light than average. [from 20th c.] SYNONYMS * (occurring or happening within a short time): quick, rapid, speedy, swift * (capable of moving with great speed): quick, rapid, speedy * (ahead of the correct time or schedule): ahead * (rapidly consents to sexual activity): easy, slutty * (firmly or securely fixed in place): firm, immobile, secure, stable, stuck, tight * (firm against attack): fortified, impenetrable * (of a dye: not running or fading): colour-fast * (of sleep: deep or sound): deep, sound ANTONYMS * (occurring or happening within a short time): slow * (ahead of the correct time or schedule): slow, behind * (firmly or securely fixed in place): loose * (firm against attack): penetrable, weak * (of sleep: deep or sound): light DERIVED TERMS (bound, secured): * bedfast * chairfast * fasten (rapid): * fast and furious * fast food * fast-forward TRANSLATIONS ADVERB FAST (_comparative_ FASTER, _superlative_ FASTEST) * In a firm or secure manner, securely; in such a way as not to be moved [from 10th c.]. _Hold this rope as FAST as you can._ * (of sleeping) Deeply or soundly [from 13th c.]. _He is FAST asleep._ * Immediately following in place or time; close, very near [from 13th c.]. _The horsemen came FAST on our heels._ * Quickly, with great speed; within a short time [from 13th c.]. _Do it as FAST as you can._ * Ahead of the correct time or schedule. _I think my watch is running FAST._ SYNONYMS * (quickly): quickly, rapidly, speedily, swiftly * (in a firm or secure manner): firmly, securely, tightly * (of sleeping: deeply or soundly): deeply * (ahead of the correct time or schedule): ahead ANTONYMS * (quickly): slowly * (in a firm or secure manner): loosely * (of sleeping: deeply or soundly): lightly * (ahead of

From Middle English fast, from Old English fæst (“fast, fixed, firm, secure; constant, steadfast; stiff, heavy, dense; obstinate, bound, costive; enclosed, closed, watertight; strong, fortified”), from Proto-Germanic *fastaz, *fastijaz, *fastuz (“fast, firm, secure”); see it for cognates and further etymology.