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scramble

/ˈskræm.bəl/
verb★Intermediate
informal

to move or act quickly in a disorganized or hurried manner

We scrambled to finish the project before the deadline.

We worked quickly and chaotically to complete the project on time.

💡

Often implies urgency and lack of coordination.

informal

to compete fiercely for something, often in a chaotic way

Investors scrambled to buy the new cryptocurrency.

Investors competed intensely and hurriedly to purchase the new cryptocurrency.

💡

Used in contexts like business, finance, or social situations.

informal

to mix or combine ingredients roughly

Scramble the eggs with a fork.

Mix the eggs roughly with a fork.

💡

Commonly used in cooking instructions.

Collocations

scramble forto compete fiercely for somethingscramble toto hurry to do something

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

scramble eggsphrase
to mix and cook eggs roughly
scramble for positionphrase
to compete intensely for a favorable position

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'scramble' for both literal and figurative quick, chaotic actions.

⚡Gold Rule

Context Matters

Ensure the context supports the intended meaning (physical movement vs. competition).

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'scramelen' (to move quickly), possibly from Old Norse 'skrammr' (agile).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used literally (physical movement) or figuratively (competition, urgency).

Word Breakdown

scram-
quick movement
root
+
-ble
able to be done
suffix
English Dictionary

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