speedily
English edit
Etymology edit
From Middle English spedily, spedili, from Old English *spēdiġlīċe, ġespēdiġlīċe (“prosperously”), equivalent to speedy + -ly. Cognate with Scots spedely, spedelie (“quickly, speedily”). Compare also Old English spēdlīċe (“effectually, effectively, successfully, efficaciously, powerfully, in a manner which produces a result”).
Pronunciation edit
Adverb edit
speedily (comparative speedilier or more speedily, superlative speediliest or most speedily)
- In a speedy or fast manner.
- 1899 February, Joseph Conrad, “The Heart of Darkness”, in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, volume CLXV, number M, New York, N.Y.: The Leonard Scott Publishing Company, […], →OCLC, part I, page 205:
- He was speedily reassured, and with a large, white, rascally grin, and a glance at his charge, seemed to take me into partnership in his exalted trust.
- 1944, H. Lorna Bingham, Tuckonie's Warrior Friend, page 33, column 2:
- If they keep marching as speedily as they are now, they should reach us within three days."
Usage notes edit
The forms "speedilier" and "speediliest" are obsolete.
Synonyms edit
- See also Thesaurus:quickly