impede - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
impede Word Meanings
- to slow down or hinder progress
- to obstruct or delay
- to interfere with movement or action
impede Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
impede Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪmˈpiːd/
US
/ɪmˈpid/
impede Word Etymology
From 'im-' (not) + 'pede' (foot) → Latin 'impedīre' → Old French 'empedier' → English. Imagine a foot getting stuck in mud, causing you to stumble and slow down, representing how something can impede progress significantly.
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
impede means to slow down or hinder progress, or to obstruct or delay actions. It can apply to physical movement (an obstacle that impedes a runner) or to abstract progress (bureaucracy impedes a project's timetable). The tone is formal and common in professional writing. Typical collocations include impede progress, impede growth, or impede an investigation. Learners often confuse impede with delay, hinder, or obstruct; impede emphasizes slowing without a complete stop, while obstruct suggests a stronger blockage. The Latin roots im- (not) and pede (foot) frame the idea as a foot getting stuck and slowing movement, a useful metaphor for understanding subtle gradations of obstruction.
Usage Reminders
- - Use impede for slow progression rather than a total stop.
- - Pair with progress, development, or movement.
- - Distinguish from delay (usually temporary) and obstruct (stronger blockage).
- - It can apply to people as a factor, but check context for formality.
- - Prefer in formal writing over everyday speech.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing impede with delay: impede slows movement but may not finish late.
- Thinking impede always means a person is stopped; it's usually a factor that slows things, not a person stopping.
- Interchanging impede with obstruct: obstruct is stronger and more blocking.
- Using impede for simple everyday delays can sound overly formal.
- Misplacing impede with prevent: impede stops progress only indirectly; prevent means stopping entirely.
Thinking Differences
In English, impede is a formal term signaling slow progress due to obstacles, not outright stopping. Learners often overuse it or replace it with delay or hinder in casual speech.
Learning Tips
- Compare with delay, hinder, and obstruct to feel the nuance.
- Practice collocations: impede progress, impede growth, impede an investigation.
- Note formal register; reserve for writing or formal speech.
- Use passive voice to describe influences (The delay was impeded by...).
- Remember the root im- + pede (foot) as a memory cue.
- Watch for contexts involving obstacles or bureaucratic hurdles.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'impede'?
A.Slow down
B.Help
C.Encourage
D.Fly
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'impede' used correctly?
A.He flew through the work effortlessly.
B.She encouraged his progress.
C.Their support helped impede the project.
D.The obstacles motivated him to work harder.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'impede'?
A.Aid
B.Facilitate
C.Hinder
D.Promote
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an antonym of 'impede'?
A.Assist
B.Block
C.Obstruct
D.Retard
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation might you encounter the word 'impede'?
A.Cooking a meal
B.Running a marathon
C.Watching a movie
D.Driving in heavy traffic
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