Opposite of Postpone: A Complete Guide to Words and Phrases That Keep Things On Track
Hey friends! Have you ever had a plan that you really wanted to keep, and you’re wondering what to call it when you’re not delaying or pushing it back? Or maybe you’re curious about how to describe actions that make sure your plans or deadlines happen exactly when they’re supposed to? Well, today, I’m going to walk you through the opposite of the word "postpone" — that is, words and phrases that mean to move forward, make happen sooner, or avoid delay altogether. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just a language lover, understanding these terms will sharpen your writing and speaking skills.
The Opposite of Postpone: What Does It Mean?
In simple terms, "postpone" means to delay or push something to a later time. So, what do we call its opposite? The words and phrases that convey the idea of advancing, accelerating, or ensuring something happens exactly as planned.
Key Definitions
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Advance | To move or bring something to an earlier time | "We decided to advance the meeting to Monday." |
| Expedite | To speed up the process or make something happen faster | "The company aims to expedite the delivery." |
| Accelerate | To increase in speed or progress | "She plans to accelerate her project timeline." |
| Proceed | To continue or move forward with a plan | "Let's proceed with the next step." |
| Hasten | To hurry or expedite an action | "His quick response hastened the process." |
Words and Phrases That Oppose Postpone: In Detail
Let’s dive deeper into these words. Each has its own nuance, so knowing when and how to use them makes your language more precise.
1. Advance
Definition: To move something to an earlier point in time, making it happen sooner than planned.
When to Use: When you want to reschedule or convert an upcoming event into a sooner one.
Example Sentences:
- "We advanced the presentation to Monday morning."
- "They advanced their flight to avoid the storm."
2. Expedite
Definition: To speed up the process deliberately, often to meet urgent needs.
When to Use: In business or logistics where faster processing or delivery is necessary.
Example Sentences:
- "The team worked overtime to expedite the shipment."
- "The company can expedite your application if needed."
3. Accelerate
Definition: To increase speed or promote faster progress.
When to Use: When you're talking about growth, progress, or movement.
Example Sentences:
- "We accelerated our marketing campaign to maximize sales."
- "The vehicle accelerated as it approached the turn."
4. Proceed
Definition: To continue or move forward without delay.
When to Use: When giving permission or instructions to move on to the next step.
Example Sentences:
- "Let's proceed with the plan as scheduled."
- "After the break, we will proceed to the next topic."
5. Hasten
Definition: To hurry up or make something happen sooner.
When to Use: In formal contexts or when emphasizing urgency.
Example Sentences:
- "His quick action hastened the resolution."
- "We need to hasten the process before deadlines expire."
Comparing Key Terms: An Easy-to-Read Table
| Word | Nuance / Usage | Formality | Typical Contexts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advance | Rescheduling to earlier time | Moderate | Events, plans, meetings |
| Expedite | Speeding up processes intentionally | Formal | Business, logistics, applications |
| Accelerate | Increasing progress or speed | Neutral | Projects, growth, movement |
| Proceed | Continuing forward intentionally | Neutral | Instructions, plans |
| Hasten | Hurry, often with urgency | Formal | Formal writing, urgent situations |
Tips for Success: Using the Opposite of Postpone Effectively
- Match the word to the context: For official documents, "expedite" sounds professional. For casual speech, "move forward" or "speed up" work well.
- Combine with time references: For example, "We need to advance the deadline by a week."
- Use in business and daily life to sound proactive: Saying "We will proceed with the project" shows confidence.
- Avoid confusion: "Advance" and "expedite" are similar but differ in formality and nuance.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Using "postpone" when you mean "advance" | Double-check if the event is moving earlier or later. |
| Confusing "accelerate" with "expedite" | Remember: accelerate is about speed; expedite is about process improvement. |
| Using "proceed" when action isn't ongoing | Ensure action is continuing; "proceed" means to continue. |
| Overusing formal words in casual contexts | Match your language to your audience for clarity. |
Variations and Related Phrases
- Bring forward (British English): "We need to bring forward the meeting." (same as "advance")
- Move up: "Let's move up the deadline."
- Quickly implement: for active, urgent action.
- Fast-track: to prioritize or speed up a process.
Why Is Knowing the Opposite of Postpone Important?
Understanding these words enriches your vocabulary and clarity. Whether you’re scheduling meetings, writing reports, or planning projects, knowing how to say "not delaying" adds professionalism and precision. Plus, it demonstrates your proactive attitude—an attractive trait in both personal and professional contexts.
Practice Exercises
1. Fill-in-the-Blank
- The manager decided to ______ the product launch due to rising demand.
(Answer: advance)
2. Error Correction
- She expedited the report so that it was sent after the deadline.
(Corrected: before the deadline)
3. Identification
- What’s the word for moving a planned event to an earlier date?
(Answer: advance)
4. Sentence Construction
- Construct a sentence using "hasten" that shows urgency.
(Sample answer: "The emergency response team hastened to the scene.")
5. Category Matching
Match each word with its best context:
- Expedite | Logistics and business processes
- Proceed | Continuing an action
- Accelerate | Growth or movement speed
- Hasten | Formal urgent scenarios
- Advance | Rescheduling or moving earlier
Summary & Final Thoughts
So, friends, the opposite of "postpone" isn’t just one word — it’s a set of powerful, nuanced verbs and phrases like advance, expedite, accelerate, proceed, and hasten. Using these correctly can make you sound more assertive and help you manage time, plans, and processes more effectively. Remember to match the term with your context, avoid common pitfalls, and practice regularly to build confidence.
Next time you're communicating about scheduling or plans, think about how you can actively keep things on track. Whether you’re making a meeting earlier or speeding up a project, these words will be your best friends in helping you express proactivity and efficiency. Happy writing and planning!