hurry - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hurry Word Meanings
- to move or act with speed
- to cause someone to do something quickly
- to hurry up
hurry Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hurry Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈhʌri/
US
/ˈhɜri/
hurry Word Etymology
hurry = hur- (to move quickly) + -y (process/condition). Originated from Old French ‘hurier’, influenced by Late Latin ‘hurriare’. Imagine a rabbit rushing to escape from a predator, symbolizing speed and urgency.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I reach for the door, grip tight, and pull it open, stepping into the busy hall. I move along the crowd, shoulders tense, my shoes tapping out a faster rhythm. A quick shift in pace makes my breath rise; I tighten my resolve to keep moving. I reach the stairs and tell myself to hurry, letting the moment push me upward.
Real Context
Hurry is a versatile English verb meaning to move or act with speed, to urge someone to do something quickly, or to cause a quick action overall. It often appears as hurry up in commands, as in Hurry up, we’re late, or as a causative phrase like The coach hurried the players onto the field. Learners tend to overemphasize speed without nuance, confuse hurry with rush, or misplace the object in transitive uses (hurry someone vs. hurry to do something). The etymology evokes urgency from a quick movement, reinforced by images of a rabbit racing to escape danger.
Usage Reminders
- Use hurry up for urging someone to move quickly. Be clear about the object: hurry someone or hurry to do something. Don’t say 'I am hurry'—say 'I am in a hurry' or simply 'I hurry' in simple present. Distinguish hurry from rush when describing impulsive speed. Prefer hurry up for actions, not for long processes. Practice with imperatives and with sentences like 'Hurry up, the bus is leaving.'
Common Misconceptions
- Hurry and rush are interchangeable in all contexts; they are not.
- Hurry can’t describe a mood or state; it describes action or urging.
- You cannot say 'I am hurry' in natural English.
- Hurry up is used for people or things that can move quickly, not long processes.
- To hurry someone is less common than asking them to hurry up.
Thinking Differences
This explains how English encodes urgency via verbs and phrasal forms; learners must notice that hurry can take an object (hurry someone) and is often paired with up, but not used in simple I am hurry constructions.
Learning Tips
- Practice with both transitive and intransitive uses.
- Record common collocations with up and with prepositions.
- Compare hurry with rush to notice nuance.
- Use in imperative form to give quick instructions.
- Create short dialogues emphasizing urgency.
- Watch for idiomatic expressions like 'hurry up' in media.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the best definition of the word 'hurry'?
A.to move or act with speed or urgency
B.to think carefully and slowly about something
C.to delay something intentionally
D.to celebrate loudly in a public place
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'hurry' correctly?
A.She bought a hurry from the bakery for dessert.
B.The chef asked the soup to hurry before serving.
C.Please hurry or we'll miss the bus.
D.They planted a hurry in the garden next to the roses.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to 'hurry'?
A.delay
B.rush
C.ponder
D.leisure
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'hurry'?
A.rush
B.dawdle
C.haste
D.speed
Step 5: Mastery
Which scenario would most naturally call for someone to say 'hurry'?
A.You are reading a relaxing novel on a quiet afternoon.
B.You are running toward a closing train with your ticket in hand.
C.You are slowly tasting different cheeses at a calm tasting event.
D.You are taking a long, leisurely walk in the park at sunset.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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