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Glite Dictionary
to run amain

to run amain

9.9
To move very fast on foot to get somewhere quickly
  • idiom
  • Archaic
translation icon : correr a toda prisa
  • He ran amain to catch the bus.

Examples

  • Hearing the dinner bell, the children ran amain across the fields.

  • Don't run amain in the crowded street!

  • In the old tale, the villagers ran amain to warn their neighbors of the coming storm.

  • Startled by the sudden noise, the soldiers ran amain for cover.

  • Hearing the dinner bell, the children ran amain across the fields.

  • In the old tale, the villagers ran amain to warn their neighbors of the coming storm.

  • Startled by the sudden noise, the soldiers ran amain for cover.

Synonyms

to run
vsto run amain
∞ 1.0

To move a boat fast in the same direction as the wind

is specifically full speed or urgent hurry rather than general motion
to rush
vsto run amain
548 1.0

To move or act quickly because a situation needs it

is hurried full speed without implying forceful action
to race
vsto run amain
91 1.0

To move or work very quickly to reach a goal

is about pure maximal speed rather than goal-oriented rapid effort
to dash
vsto run amain
73 1.0

To move very quickly to reach a place

is sustained full speed movement rather than a short sudden burst
sprint
vsto run amain
55 2.1

A short, very fast run over a small distance

is overall fast movement not limited to short bursts
to make a dash for
vsto run amain
2 3.4

Run quickly toward a place or thing to reach it first

is general full speed movement without specific target or deadline
to leg it
vsto run amain
  • UK
1 9.0

Move quickly on foot to escape or reach a place fast

is speedy action without the escape or informal connotation
to run like a demon
vsto run amain
  • Informal
3.9

To move very fast with great energy

is full speed haste without the extra forceful energy

Antonyms

to walk
∞ 1.0

To move on foot at a normal speed

to stroll
122 1.8

To walk slowly and enjoy it

How Fast

sprint
55 2.1
to run amain
  • Archaic
9.9
to dash
73 1.0
to hurry
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

run amain infinitive
ran amain past
running amain present participle
runs amain third person singular
run amain past participle

Morphology

run + amain

The meaning 'to run quickly' is directly compositional from 'run' (move quickly on foot) plus 'amain' (with great speed/force), following a standard verb + adverb pattern. Although 'amain' is archaic and rare in modern usage, the semantic contribution is transparent so a learner who knows both constituents can derive the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The verb run amain, from the parts run and amain, comes from an old word amain that meant 'with force' or 'with all one's strength'. Picture someone running as fast as they can, and that's why run amain means 'to run quickly'.