Is there a word fastly

There is no need for «fastly» because «fast» is both an adjective and an adverb. So, «I ran fast» is completely correct.

The existence of «fast» as an adverb does not preclude the future development of a word «fastly», but it does hinder it.

One might note that the corresponding adjective «slow» does take the -ly suffix, but this has no impact on the behavior of «fast». (There is also no real reason why, for example, we have warm/warmth, but cool/coolness. Semantically related things sometimes have similar morphological patterns, and sometimes not.)

One interesting thing worth noting (that was brought up in a comment by Jimi Oke) is that there are cases of adjectives with identical adverbs that also have an -ly form; for example, we have «right» and «wrong» as adjectives and adverbs, but we also have «rightly» and «wrongly». In such cases, the -ly form has carved out its own semantic niche; the adverb «right» and the adverb «rightly» cannot be used interchangeably in every situation. I can say «turn right» and «rightly so», but I can’t exchange them in either sentence.

With normal adjectives that cannot become adverbs without -ly, usually the -ly just transparently makes the adjective adverbial — it doesn’t have its own separate semantic nuances (e.g. «quickly» simply means «in a quick manner»).

Asked by: Wallace Trantow

Score: 4.8/5
(75 votes)

9 Answers. There is no need for «fastly» because «fast» is both an adjective and an adverb. So, «I ran fast» is completely correct. The existence of «fast» as an adverb does not preclude the future development of a word «fastly», but it does hinder it.

What does fastly mean?

Adverb. fastly (comparative more fastly, superlative most fastly) securely; fast quotations ▼ We tied the rope fastly this time; we didn’t want it to get away again.

How do you use fastly in a sentence?

Examples of ‘fastly’ in a sentence fastly

Is there a word hardly?

Hardly is a negative word and is often used with words like ‘any’ and ‘ever’, but it should not be used with other negative words: We hardly ever do anything interesting. Hardly comes before the main verb of a sentence, but when there is a modal or auxiliary verb, hardly usually comes after it: I can hardly breathe.

Can I say hardly?

Hardly usually comes after the verb ‘be‘ when it is used in simple tenses such as ‘is’ or ‘was’: This was hardly surprising. In writing, you can use hardly at the beginning of a sentence before an auxiliary to say that one thing happens very soon after another thing: Hardly had the rain stopped, when the sun came out.

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English[edit]

Etymology 1[edit]

From Middle English fastly, fastliche, festliche, from Old English fæstlīċe (“firmly, constantly”), from Proto-West Germanic *fastulīkē, from Proto-West Germanic *fastulīkê (“securely, firmly”); equivalent to fast +‎ -ly.

Adverb[edit]

fastly (comparative more fastly, superlative most fastly)

1. In a secure or firm manner; securely

   Synonyms: fast, firmly, securely, tightly

   We tied the rope fastly this time; we didn’t want it to get away again.

   • 1843, Thomas Archer, Roderick Dhu, Clan Alpine’s Chief, or, the Scottish outlaw:

     Before them was a door which apparently led into the grand apartments; this was fastly secured, but it yielded to their united strength, and they entered a lofty hall, whose concave top was supported by pillars.

Etymology 2[edit]

From fast +‎ -ly.

Adverb[edit]

fastly (comparative more fastly, superlative most fastly)

1. (nonstandard) quickly

   • 1885, The Missionary Herald of the Baptist Missionary Society, page 162:

     Determined in his death, and chasing him, he ran fastly to the ‘Mission House,’ and under Mrs. Richardson’s bed he was sheltered and saved.

   • 1990, Shailendra Jha, Agricultural labour: present position and problems, legislations, and governmental steps, measures for upliftment:

     This trend continued upto the close of the Second World War, although the price index moved fastly.

   • 2011, Raj Kumar Singh, Contemporary India with Controversial Neighbours, page 264:

     The turn of events moved fastly in Nepal at the close of the century and thereafter as well.

Can You Use “Fastly?” 

Have you ever wondered find yourself wondering: “is ‘fastly’ a word?” “Fast”is a special type of adjective that can double as an adverb without requiring any change. In other words, if you want to describe an action or a noun, you can simply say “fast.” Adding an extra –ly to the end of words such as this is technically repetitive and unnecessary! 

Some people still disagree with this guideline, however, claiming that all adverbs must have an added –ly to maintain standardization. While this may seem like it has some merit, it is more of an old-English standard and doesn’t align with most of the modern English we use today. 

So to answer the age-old question, No! You shouldn’t have to use “fastly” in your sentences because “fast” already acts as an adverb. 

Examples Of Using “Fast” Instead Of “Fastly” 

Now that you know that “fastly” shouldn’t be used in the context of modern English, you can probably spot places where “fast” can be swapped in instead. In fact, in any situation where someone uses the word “fastly,” you can always swap in “fast.” 

In the following sentences, look out for where the word “fast” has replaced “fastly.” 

• He ran so fastly in the last race. 
• He ran so fast in the last race. 

• She drove very fastly.
• She drove fast. 

• Sarah is fast. She talks fastly, she eats fastly, and she even drinks fastly. 
• Sarah is fast. She talks fast, she eats fast, and she even drinks fast.