The word fast, and phrases that derive from it.

Definitions

• quickly
  To do something in a speedy manner, without delay or hesitation

• securely
  To hold something in place firmly or tightly

• firmly
  To have a strong belief or conviction about something

• without eating
  To go without food for a period of time, typically for religious or health reasons

Examples of The word fast, and phrases that derive from it.

• She fasted for three days as a part of her religious ritual.

  The word "fasted" here means that she abstained from eating any food for three consecutive days as a religious practice. This idiom is derived from the word "fast," which means to abstain from food, typically as a religious observance.

• The car accelerated so fast that I had to grip the seat tighter.

  In this example, the word "fast" is used as an adverb to describe how quickly the car was moving. The idiom "fast" here refers to moving quickly.

• It's about time this project was finished!

  In this example, the phrase "fast" is used in the phrase "about time" to express that something is taking too long to complete. This is an idiomatic expression, and "fast" here means that it is overdue.

• Jane is a fast learner. She picks up new skills quickly.

  In this example, the word "fast" is used as an adjective to describe a person's ability to learn quickly. This idiom is derived from the word "fast," which means to move quickly or progress rapidly.

• She fasted for three days to purify her body before the religious ceremony.

  To fast means to abstain from food completely, either for religious purposes or for health reasons. In this example, the speaker is refraining from eating for three days before a religious ceremony as a way to purify her body.

• The result was delivered in a flash.

  To be delivered in a flash means to be delivered or revealed very quickly, almost instantly. This is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used in everyday English.

• He's a fast learner.

  This is another idiomatic expression that is used to describe someone who is highly competent in learning new skills or acquiring new knowledge quickly. It is derived from the word fast, as these individuals seem to learn at a rapid pace.

• I have fast fingers on the keyboard.

  This idiomatic expression is used to describe someone who types very quickly. It is derived from the idea that fast movements of the fingers on the keyboard are required to type quickly and accurately.

Conclusion

The word "fast" and its derived phrases have a variety of meanings, all involving some form of speed or firmness. When used to describe an action, it typically implies doing something quickly and without hesitation. In terms of holding something in place, it conveys a sense of security and stability. When used in a more abstract sense, it can refer to having a strong belief or conviction about something. Finally, when used in the context of not eating, it refers to abstaining from food for a period of time.

Origin of "The word fast, and phrases that derive from it."

The use of "fast" to mean "quickly" or "rapidly" dates back to Old English, where it was derived from the Old High German word "fast," meaning "firm, fixed, steadfast." This sense of the word likely originated from the idea of something being held firmly or securely in place.

The use of "fast" to mean "without eating" has its roots in religious practices, particularly in Christianity. The term "fast" was used to describe abstaining from food for a period of time as a form of penance or purification. This practice can be traced back to biblical times, with examples of fasting being mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. In modern times, fasting is also commonly used for health reasons, such as in intermittent fasting.

The other meanings of "fast," such as being firm or having a strong belief, likely developed from the idea of something being held securely or firmly in place. These meanings have evolved over time and are still commonly used today in a variety of contexts.