Fast
/fæst/
Definitions
5 meaningsMoving or capable of moving at high speed.
/fæst/
The cheetah is a fast animal.
💡 Simply: If something is fast, it means it's quick! Like a cheetah running or a rocket ship blasting off. Imagine you're racing your friend - the person who gets to the finish line quickly is the fast one!
👶 For kids: Quick and speedy!
More Examples
He's a fast learner.
How It's Used
"The cheetah is a fast runner."
"The train was incredibly fast."
Happening or taking place quickly; brief.
/fæst/
I took a fast look at the schedule.
💡 Simply: Sometimes 'fast' also means something happens quickly! Like when you take a fast look at something or need a fast reply. It’s all about doing something quickly.
👶 For kids: Happening quickly!
More Examples
We need a fast solution to this problem.
How It's Used
"I took a fast look at the report."
"I need a fast answer."
Firmly fixed or closed; not easily opened or moved.
/fæst/
Firmly fixed; secure.
The boat was fast to the dock.
💡 Simply: In older usage, 'fast' can mean something is securely held. Think of a ship 'fast' to a dock – it's tied up tightly and won't move.
👶 For kids: Locked up or tied tightly.
More Examples
The door was fast shut.
How It's Used
"The rope was fast to the post."
To abstain from eating food.
/fæst/
Abstain from food or drink for a period of time, typically for religious or health reasons.
Many religious people fast during certain holidays.
💡 Simply: When you 'fast', you choose not to eat food for a certain time. People do this for religious reasons or to improve their health. Think of not eating any snack when you are really trying to be focused
👶 For kids: To not eat food for a time.
More Examples
She is fasting to detox her body.
How It's Used
"They fast during Ramadan."
"He's fasting for medical tests."
The act of abstaining from food or drink, often for religious or health purposes.
/fæst/
The act of abstaining from food or drink.
The fast lasted for a day.
💡 Simply: A 'fast' can also be a period of time when you don't eat. It’s the time you're fasting. Think of it like a timed break from food.
👶 For kids: The time when you don't eat food.
More Examples
They are observing a religious fast.
How It's Used
"The fast began at sunrise."
"He went on a water fast."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
fast asleep
Deeply asleep.
"The baby was fast asleep in her crib."
play fast and loose
To behave irresponsibly or dishonestly; to not follow rules or standards.
"The company was accused of playing fast and loose with its accounting practices."
From Old English *fæst* meaning 'firmly fixed, steadfast'. Related to the verb *fasten* and the German word *fest*.
The word 'fast' has been used for speed and security since the Old English period. The verb 'to fast' has been related to religious practices for centuries.
Memory tip
Think of a race car zooming around the track.
Word Origin
"firmly fixed, steadfast"