Apace: Definition, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：quickly, rapidly (apace)

apace 🔊

/əˈpeɪs/

adv.

It means quickly or rapidly, at a fast pace.

Apace definition illustrated with fast-forward symbol and flipping calendar representing rapid progress.

quickly, rapidly 🔊

➕

(as written)

adv.

A formal adverb used to describe an action that is happening with speed and often without delay or interruption.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle English 'a paas,' meaning 'at a pace.' The word 'pace' itself comes from the Latin 'passus,' meaning 'step' or 'stride.' The prefix 'a-' in this context means 'on' or 'in,' forming an adverbial phrase.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'a race.' You need to move at 'a pace' that is fast to win a race. So, 'apace' means to go quickly, as if in a race.

📖 Example

Technological advancements are moving apace, with new gadgets appearing every month. 🔊 Technological advancements are moving apace, with new gadgets appearing every month.

🔗 Collocations

move apace – to progress or develop quickly

continue apace – to keep going at a rapid rate

proceed apace – to advance or continue swiftly

🔄 Synonyms

rapidly (adv.) – at a very fast speed

swiftly (adv.) – with great speed; promptly

briskly (adv.) – in an active, quick, or energetic manner

🚫 Antonyms

slowly (adv.) – at a slow speed; not quickly

gradually (adv.) – taking place or changing slowly over time

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'apace' has a straightforward etymological path from Latin 'passus' (step) through Old French 'pas' to Middle English 'a paas.' It literally meant 'at a walking pace.' Over time, its meaning intensified to signify a *fast* pace, reflecting how speed of movement became the core concept. Today, it is a formal and somewhat literary adverb, often found in business, academic, or news contexts to describe rapid and steady progress, as in 'reforms are proceeding apace.'