Accelerate

Definition

Accelerate is a verb meaning to increase the speed or rate of something, to cause it to happen faster, or to gain velocity. It is used in both physical contexts, such as in physics to describe an object’s increasing speed, and figurative contexts, to describe hastening progress or development.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ækˈsɛləˌreɪt/
• Respelling: ak-SEL-uh-rayt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əkˈsɛləreɪt/
• Respelling: uk-SEL-uh-rayt

The pronunciation of "accelerate" differs slightly between American and British English in the initial syllable.

Etymology

The word "accelerate" originates from the Latin "accelerare," meaning "to hasten" or "to increase speed." This Latin root combines "ad-" (to) and "celer" (swift). It entered Middle English in the early 16th century with the same meaning.

Derivatives

• Acceleration (noun)
• Accelerator (noun)
• Accelerative (adjective)
• Decelerate (verb)
• Reaccelerate (verb)

Synonyms

• Hasten
• Expedite
• Increase

Antonyms

• Decelerate
• Slow
• Delay

Usage

The term "accelerate" is widely used in both scientific and general contexts. In physics, it refers specifically to the rate of change of velocity, as in "The car begins to accelerate down the hill." In more figurative contexts, it can mean speeding up any process, such as "They need to accelerate production to meet demand." In technology and business, it is often used to refer to the process of speeding up growth or innovation.

Related Terms

• Velocity: The speed of something in a given direction.
• Momentum: The quantity of motion of a moving body.
• Speed: The rate at which someone or something moves or operates.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To increase speed: Describes the action of moving or causing to move faster.
  • Example: "The train began to accelerate as it left the station."
• To cause a process to happen sooner or faster: Used to indicate the hastening of non-physical processes.
  • Example: "Efforts were made to accelerate the research process."