hasty

Everyday

1. Done very quickly, sometimes too quickly, without enough care or thought. tree →
2. Of a person: acting too quickly. tree →

In the lessons

In stories «a hasty decision» or «a hasty retreat» tells the reader someone acted in a hurry. The lesson often is: think before you act. Phrases: «a hasty exit», «a hasty decision», «don't be hasty», «make haste».

Examples

• We made a hasty exit when the dog barked. tree →
• Don't make a hasty decision — think it over. tree →
• He wrote a hasty note and ran out. tree →
• She hastily hid the present behind her back. tree →
• «Don't be hasty,» said the wise old owl. tree →
• My hasty work was full of mistakes. tree →
• My father--who is rather hasty--ordered him to be thrown downstairs. tree →

Note

From «haste». Comparative hastier, hastiest. Hastily = in a hurry.

In Jewish tradition

Describes someone quick to anger or to act without thought.

Interpretation. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes teach patience and self-control as marks of wisdom.

Examples

• Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. (Writings ECC.7.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. (Writings PRO.14.29, JPS 1917) tree →
• The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but every one that is hasty hasteth only to want. (Writings PRO.21.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

From «haste». Comparative hastier, hastiest. Hastily = in a hurry.