Word of the Day

: August 22, 2011

expedite

verb EK-spuh-dyte

What It Means

1 : to execute promptly

2 : to accelerate the process or progress of : speed up

3 : issue, dispatch

expedite in Context

To expedite the processing of your request, please include your account number on all documents.

"Under the executive order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions for expediting the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions." -- From an article by Mark Schlachtenhaufen in The Edmond Sun (Oklahoma), March 14, 2011

Did You Know?

If you're really intent on expediting something, you jump in with both feet -- or apply a single foot where it will be most effective! And when you do, you're drawing on the etymology of "expedite" itself. The word comes from the Latin verb "expedire" ("to set free" or "to make useful"), a word that in turn traces back to the root "ped-" or "pes," meaning "foot." "Expedite" has been used in English since at least the 15th century.