fast
- 01 A1 Beginner
adj.moving or happening at high speed.
adj.characterised by high speed; capable of rapid movement or action.
Simple“The fast train to London takes less than two hours.”
In context“The company's fast growth surprised many investors who had expected a much slower entry into the European market.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
adj.showing a time that is later than the real time.
adj.indicating a time ahead of the actual or correct time, typically in reference to a clock or watch.
Simple“My watch is five minutes fast, so I always arrive early for meetings.”
In context“He intentionally kept his alarm clock ten minutes fast to ensure he never missed the early morning commute.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.attached firmly so that it cannot move.
adj.firmly fixed or attached; secure against movement or displacement.
Simple“Make sure the knot is fast before you start climbing.”
In context“The tradition remains fast in the rural provinces, despite the rapid modernisation occurring in the capital city.”
- 04 A1 Beginner
adv.at high speed.
adv.at a high rate of speed; rapidly.
Simple“You are driving too fast for this narrow road.”
In context“The news spread fast across the small town, reaching almost every household before the official announcement was made.”
PitfallHe ran very fastly to catch the bus. He ran very fast to catch the bus.The word 'fast' is both an adjective and an adverb; 'fastly' is not a word in modern English.
- 05 B1 Intermediate
adv.completely or deeply, usually used with the word 'asleep'.
adv.completely or soundly; almost exclusively used in the collocation 'fast asleep'.
Simple“The baby was fast asleep in her cot after the long walk.”
In context“Exhausted by the day's hike, the travellers were fast asleep long before the storm began to rattle the cabin windows.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to eat little or no food for a period of time, often for religious or medical reasons.
v.to abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance or for medical purposes.
Simple“Patients must fast for twelve hours before having the blood test.”
In context“Many cultures require followers to fast during specific holy months to demonstrate spiritual discipline and empathy for the poor.”
- 07 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a period of time when you do not eat food.
n.an act or period of fasting.
Simple“He broke his three-day fast with a small bowl of soup.”
In context“The community gathered for a large celebration to mark the end of the traditional religious fast.”
Synonyms
Usage fast food · fast enough