hasten - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hasten Word Meanings
- to move or act quickly
- to make something happen sooner
- to urge someone to do something quickly
hasten Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hasten Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈheɪsən/
US
/ˈheɪsən/
hasten Word Etymology
hasten = hast + en; Historical origin: Middle English hastyng (from Old French) → English. Memory image: Imagine racing against the clock, urging yourself to move faster as the seconds tick away.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Hasten is a formal, literary verb meaning to move or act quickly, or to make something happen sooner. It can apply to people or processes, but it is more common with events or outcomes and sounds less natural in everyday conversation. In usage, hasten sits somewhere between accelerate, expedite, and urge, often implying both speed and intentionality. Collocations include hasten a departure, hasten the process, hasten to add, and hasten someone’s steps. It often precedes gerunds or noun phrases: hasten the completion, hasten the arrival, hasten your decision. Overall, use hasten for deliberate speed in formal or written contexts rather than casual talk.
Usage Reminders
- Be mindful of formality; use hasten in formal or written contexts. Do not use with people as the direct object (hasten John). Distinguish hasten from hurry (hasten implies deliberate speed). Common collocations: hasten a departure, hasten the process, hasten to add. After hasten, you often see gerunds or noun phrases: hasten the completion, hasten the arrival.
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking hasten for hurry in every situation
- Trying to use hasten with a person as the direct object (hasten him) or as a cliché in casual speech
- Thinking hasten can replace 'rush' in all contexts
- Using hasten to describe emotional urgency rather than action or events
- Confusing with accelerate in all forms of time or speed
Thinking Differences
English often treats hasten as a formal, somewhat literary option that stresses deliberate speed in processes or actions, not casual urgency; learners should distinguish it from hurry and avoid applying it to people directly.
Learning Tips
- Note the formal tone; reserve hasten for written or formal contexts.
- Never use hasten directly with a person as the object (no hasten John).
- Compare with hurry to understand nuance: hurry emphasizes speed, hasten emphasizes intentional speed.
- Pair with process or event nouns (hasten the process, hasten the arrival).
- Practice with gerunds after hasten: hasten completing, hasten finishing.
- Learn key collocations: hasten a departure, hasten the timeline.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'hasten'?
A.To walk slowly
B.To sit quietly
C.To think deeply
D.To speed up
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence where 'hasten' is used correctly:
A.She decided to hasten before making a decision.
B.He was hastening too quickly in the race.
C.The teacher slowly hastened the students to finish their tasks.
D.They stopped to hasten the sunset.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'hasten'?
A.Accelerate
B.Hinder
C.Delay
D.Retard
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'hasten'?
A.Impede
B.Hinder
C.Stall
D.Linger
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation would you need to hasten?
A.Reading a book on a lazy Sunday afternoon
B.Listening to music while exercising
C.Taking a leisurely stroll in the park
D.Baking cookies in the oven
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App