hurried

Hurried is an adjective used to describe actions done quickly or under time pressure, or a person acting because of limited time. It conveys speed and sometimes a lack of thoroughness. The word often appears before a noun (a hurried departure, a hurried decision) but can describe a person or action (she looked hurried; he moved hurriedly through the crowd).

Etymology: The adjective hurried comes from the verb hurry, meaning to move quickly or to press someone to move quickly. The verb has Germanic roots and has been part of English since the Middle Ages; the exact lineage is complex, but hurried formed as the past participle to describe haste.

Usage and nuance: Hurried implies time pressure and can suggest insufficient time for careful consideration. It is generally neutral or descriptive, though it often carries a negative connotation when associated with poor outcomes. It is distinguished from hasty, which often implies rashness or thoughtlessness. The adverb form is hurriedly (she spoke hurriedly). Common collocations include hurried pace, hurried conversation, and hurried decisions.

See also: synonyms rushed, hasty, swift; antonyms unhurried, leisurely, deliberate. In literature and journalism, hurried is frequently used to convey immediacy or constraint without implying careless intent.