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headlong Meaning & Definition

/ˈhɛd.lɒŋ/

What Does Headlong Mean?

Headlong is an adverb that means With the head first or down. It can also mean With an unrestrained forward motion. As an adjective, it means Precipitous. As a verb, it means To precipitate.

Headlong at a Glance

Part of speechadverb, adjective, verb
Pronunciation//ˈhɛd.lɒŋ//
Syllables1
Synonymsforward, rashly and hurried
Antonymsarselong
Comparative / superlativemore headlong, most headlong
Verb formsheadlongs, headlonging, headlonged

Headlong Definition (Adverb)

  1. With the head first or down.
  2. With an unrestrained forward motion.

    Figures out today show the economy plunging headlong into recession.

  3. Rashly; precipitately; without deliberation; in haste, hastily.

Headlong as an Adjective

  1. Precipitous.
  2. Plunging downwards head foremost.
  3. Rushing forward without restraint.
  4. Reckless; impetuous.

Headlong as a Verb

  1. To precipitate.

Synonyms of Headlong

Headlong synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Headlong

Headlong in a Sentence

Figures out today show the economy plunging headlong into recession.

Word Forms & Grammar

headlong (not comparable)

headlong (comparative more headlong, superlative most headlong)

headlong (third-person singular simple present headlongs, present participle headlonging, simple past and past participle headlonged)

Words That Rhyme With Headlong

Origin of Headlong

From Middle English hedlong, alteration of hedling, heedling, hevedlynge (“headlong”), assimilated to long. More at headling.

Headlong Pronunciation

Headlong is pronounced //ˈhɛd.lɒŋ// and has 1 syllable.

Common Questions About Headlong

Is headlong an adverb or an adjective?

Headlong is mainly used as an adverb, but it can also be used as an adjective and a verb.

What is another word for headlong?

You can replace headlong with words such as forward, rashly and hurried. See the full list of headlong synonyms and antonyms.

What is the opposite of headlong?

The opposite of headlong is arselong.

What is the past tense of headlong?

The past tense of headlong is headlonged. The present participle is headlonging.

What are the comparative and superlative forms of headlong?

The comparative form is more headlong and the superlative form is most headlong.

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