celerity

[ suh-ler-i-tee ]

noun

1. swiftness; speed.

   Synonyms: dispatch, alacrity

celerity

/ sɪˈlɛrɪtɪ /

noun

1. rapidity; swiftness; speed

Word History and Origins

Origin of celerity¹

First recorded in 1480–90; earlier celerite, from Middle French, from Latin celeritās, equivalent to celer “swift” + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of celerity¹

C15: from Old French celerite, from Latin celeritās, from celer swift

Synonym Study

See speed.

Example Sentences

She hastened to ring the bell; and when the tray came, she proceeded to arrange the cups, spoons, &c., with assiduous celerity.

From Literature

Wodele added: “I think coming out of the wrestling environment and celerity, a lot of people misjudged him in terms of his intellect. He was underestimated in terms of his ability to understand and reason.”

From Seattle Times

Enriquez’s plots deteriorate with satisfying celerity: In “The Cart,” a curse strips an entire neighborhood of its livelihood within approximately three pages.

From New York Times

“A revision made in response to an entry’s increased attention differs only in celerity — as always, all revisions reflect evidence of use.”

From Washington Times

"A revision made in response to an entry's increased attention differs only in celerity—as always, all revisions reflect evidence of use."

From Fox News