Accelerate vs. Hasten

Attribute	Accelerate	Hasten
Definition	to increase speed or rate of motion	to cause something to happen sooner or more quickly
Synonyms	speed up, quicken, hasten	quicken, expedite, hurry
Intensity	often implies a significant increase in speed or rate	often implies a sense of urgency or immediacy
Usage	commonly used in the context of physical movement or processes	commonly used in the context of actions or events

Definition

Accelerate and hasten are two verbs that are often used interchangeably to convey the idea of making something happen faster. However, there are subtle differences in their meanings and connotations.

Speed

Accelerate typically implies a gradual increase in speed over time, while hasten suggests a sudden or immediate increase in speed. For example, a car can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a few seconds, while a person can hasten their pace to catch a bus that is about to leave.

Intensity

Accelerate is often used in the context of physical objects or processes, such as a vehicle or a chemical reaction. Hasten, on the other hand, is more commonly used in relation to actions or events that involve human agency, such as a decision or a response.

Efficiency

Accelerate implies a more controlled and systematic approach to increasing speed, whereas hasten suggests a sense of urgency or haste. When you accelerate a project, you are likely to follow a structured plan to achieve your goals faster. On the other hand, when you hasten a decision, you may be acting impulsively or without careful consideration.

Usage

Accelerate is a more formal and technical term that is often used in scientific or engineering contexts. Hasten, on the other hand, is a more informal and everyday term that is commonly used in conversations and written communication.

Examples

• She accelerated her car to merge onto the highway.
• He hastened to finish his homework before the deadline.
• The company accelerated its expansion plans to meet growing demand.
• The government hastened to respond to the crisis with emergency measures.

Conclusion

While accelerate and hasten are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and connotations that make them suitable for different contexts. Understanding the subtle differences between these two verbs can help you communicate more effectively and accurately in various situations.