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scurry

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /ˈskɜːri/

KK: /ˈskɜri/

intransitive verb
Definition

To move quickly with small, light steps, often in a hurried or excited manner.


Example

The children began to scurry around the playground when the bell rang.


Tense Forms

Past: scurried

Past Participle: scurried


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that little squirrel scurry across the yard?
Sloth B
Yes, it was so quick!
Sloth A
I love watching them scurry around looking for food.
Sloth B
Me too! They always make me smile.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
scamper
hasten
dash
Antonyms
linger
tarry
dawdle
noun
Definition

The action of moving quickly and hurriedly, often in a small or quick manner.


Example

The little mouse made a scurry across the floor when it heard a noise.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that funny scurry in the attic last night?
Sloth B
Yeah, it sounded like a little animal was up there!
Sloth A
I wonder if it was a squirrel or maybe a mouse making that scurry.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Scurry originates from the Middle English 'scurren', meaning to run or move quickly, which is derived from the Old Norse 'skurra', meaning to run or scurry. The word describes a quick, hurried movement, often associated with small animals or people in a hurry.

Memory Tip

Imagine small creatures 'running quickly' — that's what scurry means, reflecting the swift movement of something in a hurry.

Visually Confused Words
curry
surrey
spurry
smurry
slurry
scoury
scarry
scry
Is this page helpful?
I hope it’s just a squirrel — mice can be a bit more troublesome!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hurry
dash
scamper
Antonyms
crawl
linger
slow