celeritās
The English phrase speed is translated into Latin as celeritās.
celeritās is used to denote a rate of motion or swiftness.
Meaning: rate of motion (noun)
Which one should you use?
While celeritās refers to the rate of motion or swiftness, the word velocitas is also used in later Latin to denote speed or velocity. Additionally, rapiditas can be used to mean rapidity or speediness.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "of speed", use the genitive singular form celeritātis. To refer to multiple "speeds", use the plural form celeritātēs.
Did you know?
- If you were to use the word celer in a Roman context to describe a person, you were often praising their intelligence as much as their physical movement, as quickness of mind was a highly valued virtue.
- In Roman literature, describing a chariot or a messenger with the adjective celer was a common way to emphasize the efficiency of an empire's communication. Speed was often treated as a sign of political strength and reliability.
- The word celer is the root of the English word 'celerity', which refers to speed or quickness. While most people know 'celerity', few realize it is a direct descendant of the same Latin term used for 'speed'.
Examples in context
- Celeritās equorum est magna.The speed of the horses is great.
- Cur celeritās vehiculi sic mutatur?Why does the speed of the vehicle change so much?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speed” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
