swift

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Moving or acting very quickly and smoothly.

   Grammar: Before a noun or after a linking verb: a swift runner, she was swift.

   Patterns

   • swift to do something
   • a swift response

   The swift current carried the leaf away.

   She made a swift exit before anyone noticed.

   He was swift to apologize.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Happening within a short time.

   Grammar: Often describes responses, decisions, or actions.

   Patterns

   • a swift decision
   • swift action

   The company took swift action after the complaint.

   We hope for a swift recovery.

3. 3nouncountablebiology

   A small, fast-flying bird with long, curved wings that spends most of its life in the air.

   Grammar: A countable noun: a swift, a flock of swifts.

   Patterns

   • a flock of swifts

   Swifts screamed over the rooftops at dusk.

   A swift can stay in the air for months.

Word forms

Common combinations

swift response

The firm made a swift response to the complaint.

swift action

Swift action stopped the fire spreading.

swift current

A swift current pulled the boat away.

swift recovery

We wish you a swift recovery.

swift to

She was swift to point out the error.

Synonyms and how they differ

fast

Fast is the neutral, everyday word, while swift often adds ease and grace.

rapid

Rapid emphasizes quick pace or change, such as growth, and sounds more technical.

quick

Quick suggests short time and can describe small things, while swift suggests speed in movement.

prompt

Prompt means done without delay, which applies to a reply, not to movement.

Opposites

Word family

swiftly adverb

quickly and smoothly

swiftness noun

the quality of being fast

swiftlet noun

a small kind of swift that builds edible nests

Commonly confused: swift or swallow?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “swift”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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