swiftly

[ swift-lee ]

adverb

1. with great speed or velocity:

   Catching a reflection in my mask lens, I swiftly turned around to see an 18-foot great white shark just yards away, looking straight at me!

2. without delay; promptly; quickly:

   Behavior issues will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.

Word History and Origins

Origin of swiftly¹

swift ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The agency does not have the staff or budget to regularly inspect streetlights to identify dangerously loose caps or other problems, or to swiftly fix burned-out or vandalized lights.

From Los Angeles Times

The referendum - known as the Voice - became ensnared in a bruising campaign, and both sides of politics have sought to move on swiftly, leaving uncertainty over future policy.

From BBC

It is swiftly gathering momentum, fueled by the extremism of the party set to soon control both the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government as well as most of the federal court system.

From Salon

The family is just one of many who have found themselves at the mercy of so-called "bulldozer justice" - when authorities swiftly demolish the homes of those accused of crimes - but hopefully among the last.

From BBC

This model of decentralized mobilization can be adapted to any cause, empowering communities to act swiftly and effectively.

From Salon

Related Words

• expeditiously
• hastily
• promptly
• quickly
• rapidly
• speedily