headlong
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈhɛd.lɒŋ/
KK: /ˈhɛdˌlɔŋ/
adjective
Definition
Moving or done with great speed and force, often without thinking carefully.
Example
He ran headlong into the room, eager to share his news.
Conversation
Did you see how he ran into the room so headlong?
Yeah, he almost knocked the door off its hinges!
I know, right? It was such a headlong rush for no reason.
He really needs to calm down a bit before he gets hurt.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
impetuous
reckless
hasty
Antonyms
cautious
deliberate
slow
adverb
Definition
In a way that is fast and without thinking carefully, often leading to danger or mistakes.
Example
She ran headlong into the street without looking for cars.
Conversation
Did you see how he ran headlong into the street without looking?
Yeah, that was so reckless!
I can't believe he wasn't paying attention at all.
Root Explanation
Headlong → It is formed from "head" (from Old English "heafod", meaning the upper part of the body) and "long" (from Old English "lang", meaning extended in space or time). The word "headlong" describes a manner of moving forward with the head leading, often in a reckless or hurried way.
Memory Tip
Picture someone rushing forward with their 'head' leading the way, which helps you remember that 'headlong' means moving forward quickly and often recklessly.
Visually Confused Words
healing
endlong