Alacrity
/əˈlækrɪti/
nounC1
Definition
Alacrity is the feeling or behavior of being ready and willing to do something with energy and enthusiasm. It shows a positive and fast response to a request or task, often with happiness or excitement.
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See It in Action
Willing and quick readiness to do something
- •She accepted the invitation with alacrity.
- •The team responded to the emergency with alacrity.
- •He showed alacrity when asked to help clean up.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "alacrity" like "quick" (A1 word), but with a joyful and eager feeling, not just speed
- ✓Picture a dog wagging its tail and running fast when you say "walk"—it’s happy and ready to go
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you can't wait to start a fun activity or help someone
- ✓Sounds like "a-LACK-ri-tee" → imagine someone LACKing (missing) any delay, jumping in quickly and happily
- ✓In stories, a character who answers a call for help with alacrity is quick and cheerful, not slow or forced
- ✓NOT like "slow" or "reluctant" (unwilling or late), alacrity means eager and fast action
- ✓NOT just "fast" (speed only), alacrity includes a positive, willing attitude
Try Other Words
- •Willingness: being ready to do something (Use when focus is on being ready, not speed)
- •Promptness: quickness in doing something (Use when focus is on speed, less on emotion)
- •Enthusiasm: strong excitement or interest (Use when focus is on positive feeling, less on speed)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: no clear prefix or suffix; root related to Latin "alacer" meaning lively or eager
- •Etymology: from Latin "alacritas," meaning liveliness or eagerness
- •Historical development: entered English in the 16th century meaning cheerful readiness
- •Modern usage: used to describe quick and eager action or response, often in formal or literary contexts
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you helped someone with alacrity? What made you feel eager and ready?
•How does showing alacrity affect how others see you in work or school situations?
Fill in the blanks
1.She accepted the job offer with alacrity because she was ___ to start working.
2.When the teacher asked for volunteers, he raised his hand with alacrity, showing he was ___ to help.
3.Alacrity means not only being fast but also being ___ and happy to do something.
4.Unlike reluctance, alacrity shows a ___ and willing attitude toward a task.
5.The team responded with alacrity, meaning they acted ___ and without delay.
6.You can show alacrity by answering a question ___ and with a smile.
7.Alacrity often comes from feeling ___ about the activity or request.