Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈe͡ɪt hˈe͡ɪst] (IPA) 
The phrase "great haste" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ɡreɪt heɪst/. This means that the word "great" is pronounced with a long A sound as in "gray," while the word "haste" is pronounced with a long A sound as in "hay." The phrase is commonly used to describe a sense of urgency or quick action, and is often paired with verbs like "moving" or "acting" to convey a sense of speed or rapid progress.
Great haste refers to the state or act of doing something quickly, urgently, or with a sense of urgency that is above the norm. It is characterized by rapidity and speed in performing an action or completing a task, often as a result of a pressing need, limited time, or impending deadline. When one is in great haste, they prioritize haste over other considerations such as accuracy, thoroughness, or taking time to deliberate. Great haste implies a sense of urgency that propels an individual to expedite actions or decisions without delay.
This term highlights the urgency and efficiency required to accomplish a task promptly. It connotes an intense level of swiftness, where the primary focus is on completing the task in the shortest possible time. Great haste is often associated with situations that demand immediate action, whether due to time constraints, critical circumstances, or unexpected events.
In literary contexts, the expression 'great haste' is frequently employed to create tension, emphasize urgency, or depict a character's sense of haste, anxiety, or restlessness. It serves to convey the significance of acting swiftly in order to avoid potential negative consequences or to capitalize on an opportunity.
Overall, great haste describes a rapid pace of action or decision-making where time is of the essence, and urgency reigns supreme.
The word "great haste" consists of two distinct components: "great" and "haste".
The term "great" originated from the Old English word "grēat", which derived from the Proto-Germanic word "greutan". This word is also associated with the Old Norse "greiðr" and Middle Dutch "groot". It ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*ghrew-", meaning "to grow" or "augment". Over time, "great" evolved to signify something of large size, importance, or intensity.
The word "haste" arrived from the Old French "haste", which shares similarities with the Old French verb "haster", meaning "to hurry" or "to hasten". This term was influenced by the Latin word "festinare", which carries the same meaning.
