Alacrity
Volunteers who reply in minutes and friends who jump up to help you move share a speed that is cheerful, not frantic.
Learn This WordMeaning
Brisk and cheerful readiness; eager willingness or promptness in response.
Memory trick
Think "A-LACK-RITY" = "A LACK of hesitation, READY", no lack of readiness. Or "ALACRITY sounds like CELERITY (speed)", both mean quickness with enthusiasm.
Examples
She accepted the challenging assignment with alacrity.
The team responded to the emergency with remarkable alacrity.
He showed alacrity in volunteering for the difficult task.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin alacritas "liveliness, ardor, eagerness," from alacer "lively, cheerful, brisk."
Usage Notes
Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe enthusiastic and prompt action. Implies both speed and cheerful willingness.
Real-life contexts
Describe eager response: "She accepted with alacrity."
Use in formal writing: "The staff responded with alacrity to the request."
Compliment enthusiasm: "I appreciate your alacrity in helping."
Common Mistakes
Alacrity implies cheerful eagerness, not just speed. Don't use it for reluctant or forced quickness.
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
noun
Difficulty
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