Describing Speed: English Vocabulary List

having a high speed when doing something, especially moving

"The car is fast."

"The fast runner crossed the finish line in record time breaking the previous record that had stood for ten years."

moving or functioning very fast

"This is a high-speed train."

"The high-speed train connects the two cities in just under two hours making it much faster than driving by car."

occurring or moving with great speed

"The river flow is rapid."

"The rapid growth of the small startup company surprised everyone in the industry including their biggest competitors in the market."

moving or happening quickly

"The delivery was speedy."

"The speedy delivery service brought the package to our door in less than twenty four hours after we ordered it."

resembling or moving at the slow and deliberate pace characteristic of a snail

"His pace is snaillike."

"The snaillike progress of the construction project frustrated the residents who were waiting for the new school to open soon."

moving or progressing very slowly

"The traffic is snail-paced."

"The snail-paced traffic on the highway made him late for his job interview and he lost the opportunity completely."

carried out in a relaxed and unhurried manner

"We took a leisurely walk."

"We took a leisurely walk through the park enjoying the beautiful weather and the colorful flowers that were blooming everywhere."

occurring slowly and step-by-step over a long period of time

"The change is gradual."

"The gradual change in temperature during the spring season makes it easier for plants to adjust and grow again."

to decrease the speed of something

"Please slow the car."

"The driver had to slow down significantly because of the heavy rain and poor visibility on the road."

to slow down or stop a moving car, etc. by using the brakes

"You must brake at red lights."

"You should brake gently when approaching a red light to avoid stopping suddenly and causing an accident."