Nimble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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nimble
[ˈnɪmbəl ]
Definitions
quick movements
quick and light in movement or action; agile
Synonyms
agile, fleet-footed, quick, spry.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| nimble |
Describes someone who moves quickly and easily, usually emphasizing mental or physical dexterity.
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| agile |
Used for someone or something that can move quickly and easily, especially in sports or activities that require balance and coordination.
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| quick |
General term for fast movement or speed of thought, not necessarily implying coordination or skill.
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| spry |
Usually describes an older person who is still energetic and active.
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| fleet-footed |
Often refers to someone who runs very fast, used mainly in a literal sense.
|
Examples of usage
- The nimble cat easily caught the mouse.
- She was nimble on her feet and dodged the obstacle effortlessly.
mentally quick
quick-witted or mentally agile
Synonyms
clever, quick-witted, sharp-minded.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| nimble |
Used to describe someone who moves quickly and easily, often physically agile.
|
| quick-witted |
Describes a person who can think and respond quickly and effectively, often in social situations.
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| sharp-minded |
Used for someone who has a very clear and quick mind, often related to intelligence and analytical skills.
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| clever |
Refers to someone who is quick to understand, learn, or devise solutions. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
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Examples of usage
- His nimble mind allowed him to solve complex problems easily.
- She had a nimble intellect that made her a great problem-solver.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, 'nimble' often describes characters that are quick-witted or adaptable, reflecting both physical and mental agility.
- Many poets have used the term to evoke images of swift movements in nature, like a nimble breeze fluttering through leaves.
- Classic literature often portrays light-footed characters navigating through challenges smoothly.
Psychology
- The ability to be 'nimble' in thought can enhance problem-solving skills, allowing individuals to adapt quickly to new information.
- Being mentally nimble is often linked to better performance in fast-paced environments, like sports or competitive games.
- Studies show that practicing quick decision-making can help improve overall cognitive agility.
Pop Culture
- In animated movies, nimble characters often represent cleverness and agility, making them favorites among children.
- Nimble dancing is a popular theme in various musical genres, highlighting the joy of movement and creativity.
- The term is often associated with parkour athletes, who showcase incredible agility by navigating obstacles with ease.
Origin of 'nimble'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'nimble' comes from Middle English 'nimbl,' which means quick or agile, tracing back to the Old Norse word 'nima' meaning to take or seize.
- Over time, it evolved to describe not just physical movement but also quick thinking or cleverness.
- Its roots show a strong connection between physical agility and mental sharpness.
The word 'nimble' originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'nemel', meaning 'quick to seize or grasp'. Over time, it evolved to its current meaning of quick and agile. The use of 'nimble' to describe physical and mental agility has persisted through the centuries, making it a versatile adjective in English language.