Swift: Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：rapid and speedy (swift)

swift 🔊

/swɪft/

adj.

moving or able to move very quickly; happening or done quickly and without delay.

Swift meaning illustrated by a runner breaking the finish line tape, symbolizing rapid speed and motion.

rapid and speedy 🔊

➕

/ˈræpɪd ənd ˈspiːdi/

adj.

Describes something or someone that moves or acts with great speed and without unnecessary delay.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English *swift* meaning 'moving quickly'; related to Proto-Indo-European *swep-* 'to move, turn'.

💡 Mnemonic

SWIFT like the wind: SWIrl + Fast.

📖 Example

The courier service was so swift that the package arrived the next day. 🔊 The delivery service was remarkably fast, ensuring the parcel was delivered the following day.

🔗 Collocations

swift response – a very quick reply or reaction

swift action – prompt and effective measures taken

swift movement – quick and agile motion

🔄 Synonyms

quick (adj.) – taking little time; immediate (general term for speed).

fast (adj.) – moving or capable of moving at high speed.

speedy (adj.) – characterized by rapid motion; done without delay.

🚫 Antonyms

slow (adj.) – moving or operating at a low speed; not quick.

sluggish (adj.) – slow-moving or inactive; lacking energy or speed.

leisurely (adj.) – acting or done in an unhurried manner.

🌱 Derivatives

swiftly (adv.) – in a swift manner; quickly.

swiftness (n.) – the quality of being swift; speed.

📖 Cultural Story

The word originates from Old English, describing agility. It is famously used for the common swift (*Apus apus*), a bird known for its aerial speed. In modern finance, the SWIFT network (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) uses the name to denote rapid international money transfers.