What is hurried? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hurried" in English. It's primarily an adjective, but it can also be used as an adverb. Here's a detailed look:

1. As an Adjective (Describing a Person or Situation)

• Meaning: Describes someone or something that is moving or acting quickly and often with a sense of urgency or anxiety. It implies a lack of time or relaxed pace.

• Examples:

  • "He was a hurried man, always rushing from one appointment to the next." (Describes a person's behavior)
  • "The hurried crowd surged through the train station." (Describes a group of people's movement)
  • "A hurried apology seemed insincere." (Describes the apology's feeling – lacking thoughtfulness)
  • "She received a hurried note from her daughter." (Describes the note’s speed and possibly lack of detail)
  • "We had a hurried lunch – barely enough time to eat." (Describes the speed of the meal)

2. As an Adverb (Describing how something is done)

• Meaning: Describes how an action is performed – quickly and often with a sense of urgency.

• Examples:

  • "He delivered the news hurried and with little enthusiasm." (Describes how he delivered the news)
  • "She typed hurried notes while listening to the lecture." (Describes how she wrote the notes)
  • "They rushed to the hospital hurried, fearing the worst." (Describes how they moved – quickly and anxiously)

3. Past Participle and Past Tense of "Hurry"

• "Hurried" is the past participle and past tense form of the verb “hurry.” You use it in perfect tenses and passive constructions.

• Examples:

  • "He had hurried home before the storm." (Past perfect tense)
  • "The package was hurriedly shipped." (Passive voice)

Key Nuances & Related Words

• Implied Stress/Anxiety: "Hurried" often carries a slight negative connotation. It suggests something wasn't done carefully or deliberately.

• Synonyms: Here are some words with similar meanings that you might consider depending on the specific context:

  • Rushed: Very common and often interchangeable with "hurried."
  • Expedited: Implies speed and efficiency, but can sound formal.
  • Quick: A more neutral term for speed.
  • Frenzied: Suggests extreme speed and agitation.
  • Swift: Elegant and careful speed.

• Antonyms:

  • Deliberate: Thoughtful and careful.
  • Slow: Moving at a leisurely pace.
  • Relaxed: Without stress or urgency.

Tips for Using "Hurried" Effectively:

• Show, don't tell: Instead of just saying "He was hurried," try to show his hurriedness through his actions and the details of the scene. ("He slammed the door, nearly dropping his briefcase, and sprinted down the hallway.")

• Consider the context: The specific shade of meaning you want to convey will influence your word choice.

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To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

• What are you trying to write about? (e.g., a story, a description, an essay?)
• Can you provide a sentence or phrase where you're considering using "hurried"?