fast-pitch
UK[ˈfɑːst pɪtʃ]US[ˈfæst pɪtʃ]
n
A style of softball in which the pitcher throws the ball at high speed with an underarm motion.
n
A pitch thrown in this style of softball.
adj
Relating to or denoting the style of softball in which pitches are thrown at high speed.
Morpheme Breakdown
fast
pitch
fast
quick
pitch
throw
Etymology
The compound "fast-pitch" is a modern American English formation specific to the sport of softball, emerging in the early 20th century to distinguish a more competitive, high-velocity version of the game from the slower "slow-pitch" variant. The word "fast" derives from the Old English concept of being firm or secure, which semantically evolved to signify rapid motion. "Pitch" originates from an uncertain Middle English verb meaning to thrust or throw, which became standardized in baseball terminology for the delivery of the ball. Combined, the term's logic is transparently descriptive: it literally denotes a "quick throw," directly naming the defining characteristic of this athletic discipline.
Analysis
Structure: fast (quick) + pitch (throw)
- fast: From Old English 'fæst' meaning "firmly fixed, steadfast, constant," and later developing the sense "quick, rapid." In this compound, it functions as an adjective modifying the noun 'pitch' to indicate high speed.
- pitch: From Middle English 'picchen,' likely related to Old English 'picung' meaning "a thrusting, pitching." It functions as a noun denoting the act of throwing a ball to a batter.
Examples
She has been playing fast-pitch softball since she was ten years old.
The pitcher's fast-pitch was nearly impossible to hit.
The league decided to switch from slow-pitch to fast-pitch rules.