Word of the Day, 17 May 2025: 'Hasty’

Word of the Day: HASTY

Pronunciation

/ˈheɪ.sti/

Meaning

Hasty is an adjective used to describe actions or decisions made quickly, without careful thought, often leading to errors or rashness. It carries a negative tone when implying recklessness or lack of consideration.

Origin

The word "hasty" originates from Middle English, likely formed within the language itself through the combination of "haste" (a noun meaning "quickness, urgency") and the suffix "-y". This -y suffix is common in Germanic languages and used to form adjectives from nouns.

The word "haste" itself has a more complex etymological journey, stemming from Old French "haste" and ultimately from Proto-Germanic *haifstiz, which meant "violence" or a similar concept related to quick, urgent action.

History

The word originated in the Middle English period around the 14th century.

Modern usage: Mostly describes rushed or careless decisions or quick reactions without deep thinking.

Examples from books and articles

• He said he was going to state that he had been hasty to accuse the Black Muslims of bombing his home – The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Malcolm X; Hailey
• A sticky note was attached to the card with a hasty scribble on it that said, “He’s the right guy for the brownstone.” – The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

Synonyms

• Rash
• Impulsive
• Reckless
• Hurried
• Brisk
• Swift
• Speedy
• Quick
• Imprudent
• Precipitate