fleet
FLEET
/fliːt/
Fast and nimble in movement.
Usually used to describe animals or people who run very quickly and lightly.
The story behind the word. From the Old English 'fleotan', meaning to float or flow. The idea is that a fleet runner moves so smoothly they seem to be flowing or floating over the ground.
Word relationships
- nimble: Nimble focuses on the ability to move easily; fleet focuses on the speed of that movement.
- clumsy: Clumsy is the opposite of the light, fast grace implied by fleet.
Commonly confused with
- swift: Swift is more general; fleet is specifically about being fast on one's feet.
Word family
- fleeting (adjective): Lasting for a very short time (like a fast runner passing by).
Collocations
- fleet of foot
- fleet deer
- fleet messenger
Example sentences
- "The fleet runner easily outpaced the rest of the competition." Describing a runner.
- "The deer was fleet of foot, disappearing into the woods in a matter of seconds." Describing a deer.
Memory hook
Think of 'Fleet-foot'—someone whose feet move so fast they barely touch the ground. Fleet = Fast and Flowing.
When not to use
Don't confuse this with the noun 'fleet' (a group of ships).
Fun facts
- The word 'fleeting' (short-lived) comes from the same idea of something moving past you very fast.
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