Quick vs. Speedy — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
Quick often implies promptness and immediacy in action or response, while speedy suggests rapid progress or fast movement over a distance.
Difference Between Quick and Speedy
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Key Differences
Quick typically describes an action or response that is performed in a short amount of time, often instantaneously. On the other hand, speedy refers to maintaining a high velocity over a period, such as completing a journey or task quickly.
In everyday usage, quick is frequently applied to actions that require immediate reaction or brief moments, such as a quick decision. Whereas speedy is more commonly used to describe the overall duration or rate of something, like a speedy delivery.
Quick can also suggest efficiency and the ability to respond without delay. Speedy, however, emphasizes the pace at which an activity proceeds, not necessarily the efficiency of the process.
For physical movements, someone might be described as quick if they react swiftly to changes, such as a quick reflex. On the other hand, if someone runs a marathon in a fast time, they are often described as speedy.
In technology and services, quick is used to highlight fast access or response times, like quick loading of a webpage. Meanwhile, speedy might be used to describe the overall performance of a service, such as speedy internet service.
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Comparison Chart
Implication
Promptness and immediacy
High velocity over time
Common Usage
Immediate actions, reactions
Duration or rate of activities
Suggests
Efficiency, minimal delay
Fast pace, quick progression
Physical Context
Quick reflexes, sudden movements
Fast overall movement, like running
Technological/Service
Fast response times (e.g., loading)
Overall fast performance (e.g., internet speed)
Compare with Definitions
Quick
Brief.
Take a quick look at this report.
Speedy
Quick.
We appreciated his speedy work.
Quick
Rapid.
He gave a quick nod.
Speedy
Rapid.
The speedy spread of information was crucial.
Quick
Immediate.
She had a quick response.
Speedy
Accelerated.
The speedy acceleration of the car impressed everyone.
Quick
Sudden.
They made a quick turn to avoid the obstacle.
Speedy
Fast.
She is known for her speedy running.
Quick
Efficient.
He's quick at solving problems.
Speedy
Swift.
The project requires speedy completion.
Quick
Moving fast or doing something in a short time
He was always quick to point out her faults
In the qualifying session he was two seconds quicker than his teammate
Speedy
Characterized by rapid motion; swift.
Quick
Prompt to understand, think, or learn; intelligent
It was quick of him to spot the mistake
Speedy
Accomplished or arrived at without delay; prompt.
Quick
At a fast rate; quickly
He'll find some place where he can make money quicker
Get out, quick!
Speedy
Rapid; swift.
Quick
The soft tender flesh below the growing part of a fingernail or toenail.
Speedy
(transitive) To process in a faster than normal, accelerated way.
Quick
A fast bowler.
Speedy
To apply the speedy rule in an online community (often the deletion rule); to speedy delete.
The guy is *not* so obviously insignificant that speedying him is appropriate.
Quick
Moving or functioning rapidly and energetically; speedy
An animal that is quick enough to escape most predators.
Speedy
Not dilatory or slow; quick; swift; nimble; hasty; rapid in motion or performance; as, a speedy flight; on speedy foot.
I will wish her speedy strength.
Darts, which not the good could shun,The speedy ould outfly.
Quick
Learning, thinking, or understanding with speed and dexterity; bright
A quick mind.
Speedy
Characterized by speed; moving with or capable of moving with high speed;
A rapid movment
A speedy car
A speedy errand boy
Quick
Perceiving or responding with speed and sensitivity; keen
Quick reflexes.
Speedy
Accomplished rapidly and without delay;
Was quick to make friends
His quick reaction prevented an accident
Hoped for a speedy resolution of the problem
A speedy recovery
He has a right to a speedy trial
Quick
Reacting immediately and sharply
A quick temper.
Quick
Occurring, achieved, or acquired in a relatively brief period of time
A quick rise through the ranks.
A quick profit.
Quick
Done or occurring immediately
A quick inspection. ].
Quick
Moving with speed, rapidity or swiftness, or capable of doing so; rapid; fast.
I ran to the station – but I wasn't quick enough.
He's a quick runner.
Quick
Occurring in a short time; happening or done rapidly.
That was a quick meal.
Quick
Lively, fast-thinking, witty, intelligent.
You have to be very quick to be able to compete in ad-lib theatrics.
Quick
Mentally agile, alert, perceptive.
My father is old but he still has a quick wit.
Quick
Of temper: easily aroused to anger; quick-tempered.
He is wont to be rather quick of temper when tired.
Quick
(archaic) Alive, living.
Quick
Pregnant, especially at the stage where the foetus's movements can be felt; figuratively, alive with some emotion or feeling.
Quick
Of water: flowing.
Quick
Burning, flammable, fiery.
Quick
Fresh; bracing; sharp; keen.
Quick
Quickly, in a quick manner.
Get rich quick.
Come here, quick!
Quick
Answer quickly.
Quick
Raw or sensitive flesh, especially that underneath finger and toe nails.
Quick
Plants used in making a quickset hedge
Quick
The life; the mortal point; a vital part; a part susceptible to serious injury or keen feeling.
Quick
Quitchgrass.
Quick
(cricket) A fast bowler.
Quick
(transitive) To amalgamate surfaces prior to gilding or silvering by dipping them into a solution of mercury in nitric acid.
Quick
To quicken.
Quick
Characterized by life or liveliness; animated; sprightly; agile; brisk; ready.
Quick
Speedy; hasty; swift; not slow; as, be quick.
Oft he her his charge of quick returnRepeated.
Quick
Impatient; passionate; hasty; eager; eager; sharp; unceremonious; as, a quick temper.
The bishop was somewhat quick with them, and signified that he was much offended.
Quick
Fresh; bracing; sharp; keen.
The air is quick there,And it pierces and sharpens the stomach.
Quick
Sensitive; perceptive in a high degree; ready; as, a quick ear.
They say that women are so quick.
Quick
Pregnant; with child.
Quick
In a quick manner; quickly; promptly; rapidly; with haste; speedily; without delay; as, run quick; get back quick.
If we consider how very quick the actions of the mind are performed.
Quick
That which is quick, or alive; a living animal or plant; especially, the hawthorn, or other plants used in making a living hedge.
The works . . . are curiously hedged with quick.
Quick
The life; the mortal point; a vital part; a part susceptible of serious injury or keen feeling; the sensitive living flesh; the part of a finger or toe to which the nail is attached; the tender emotions; as, to cut a finger nail to the quick; to thrust a sword to the quick, to taunt one to the quick; - used figuratively.
This test nippeth, . . . this toucheth the quick.
How feebly and unlike themselves they reason when they come to the quick of the difference !
Quick
Quitch grass.
Quick
To revive; to quicken; to be or become alive.
Quick
Any area of the body that is highly sensitive to pain (as the flesh underneath the skin or a fingernail or toenail)
Quick
Accomplished rapidly and without delay;
Was quick to make friends
His quick reaction prevented an accident
Hoped for a speedy resolution of the problem
A speedy recovery
He has a right to a speedy trial
Quick
Hurried and brief;
Paid a flying visit
Took a flying glance at the book
A quick inspection
A fast visit
Quick
Moving quickly and lightly;
Sleek and agile as a gymnast
As nimble as a deer
Nimble fingers
Quick of foot
The old dog was so spry it was halfway up the stairs before we could stop it
Quick
Apprehending and responding with speed and sensitivity;
A quick mind
A ready wit
Quick
Performed with little or no delay;
An immediate reply to my letter
Prompt obedience
Was quick to respond
A straightaway denial
Quick
Easily aroused or excited;
A quick temper
A warm temper
Quick
With little or no delay;
The rescue squad arrived promptly
Come here, quick!
Common Curiosities
When is 'speedy' the more appropriate term to use?
'Speedy' is more appropriate when discussing scenarios that involve movement or progression over time, such as speedy transportation or speedy service.
Is 'quick' related to time efficiency?
Yes, 'quick' often implies efficiency in time, suggesting that something is done without unnecessary delay.
Is 'speedy' suitable for describing electronic devices?
Yes, it is suitable, particularly in describing the overall performance, like a speedy processor or speedy internet connection.
Which term is more commonly used in medical contexts, and why?
'Quick' is more common in medical contexts when describing rapid responses, like a quick diagnosis, while 'speedy' might be used for fast recovery rates.
How do cultural perceptions of 'quick' and 'speedy' differ?
Cultural perceptions can vary, with some viewing quick actions as rushed or careless, whereas speedy might be seen as efficient and positive.
Does 'speedy' imply long-term speed or temporary bursts?
'Speedy' generally implies a sustained rate of speed over a duration rather than brief bursts.
How does 'speedy' relate to transportation?
'Speedy' often refers to fast travel times, like speedy commutes or speedy shipping.
What contexts best suit the use of 'quick'?
'Quick' is best used in contexts requiring immediate or prompt actions, like quick decisions or quick fixes.
Can 'quick' be used to describe someone's learning ability?
Yes, someone can be described as a quick learner, meaning they grasp new concepts rapidly.
What implications does 'speedy' carry in customer service?
In customer service, 'speedy' implies quick resolution of issues and fast service delivery, enhancing customer satisfaction.
What is a quick meal compared to a speedy meal?
A quick meal implies a short preparation or consumption time, while a speedy meal might emphasize fast service from order to delivery.
How do 'quick' and 'speedy' differ in sports contexts?
In sports, 'quick' might refer to an athlete's immediate reaction, like a quick start, whereas 'speedy' could describe their overall pace, like a speedy runner.
Can businesses benefit from being described as 'quick' or 'speedy'?
Yes, businesses described as 'quick' are seen as responsive and efficient, while those described as 'speedy' are viewed as offering fast services or delivery.
Is 'quick' more subjective than 'speedy'?
'Quick' can be more subjective as it often depends on individual perception of time, whereas 'speedy' is more objectively measured by actual time taken.
Can 'quick' and 'speedy' affect the perception of a product's quality?
Yes, 'quick' might sometimes negatively impact perceived quality if associated with hurried work, while 'speedy' can enhance perceptions of efficiency and value without sacrificing quality.
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Vibrancy vs. VitalityAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
