Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Quicken Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⏩
Add to dictionary

quicken

[ˈkwɪkən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

financial software

To make something happen or progress faster; to accelerate. In the context of financial software, it refers to the action of increasing the speed of transactions or processes.

Synonyms

accelerate, hasten, speed up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
quicken

Used when referring to making something faster, often in a literary or poetic sense. It can also imply making someone more lively or excited.

  • The arrival of spring quickened the pace of life in the village.
  • Her heartbeat quickened at the sight of him.
accelerate

Used in formal or technical contexts, often relating to vehicles or processes. It implies an increase in speed over time.

  • The car accelerated as it entered the freeway.
  • We need to accelerate the project timeline to meet the deadline.
speed up

Used in casual or everyday situations to suggest making something go faster. It’s the most informal of the options.

  • Can you speed up? We're going to be late!
  • The company plans to speed up production next year.
hasten

Used in more formal situations or old-fashioned contexts, often implying urgency or the need to hurry.

  • She hastened to add that she was not responsible for the mistake.
  • Seeing the storm clouds, they hastened their pace.

Examples of usage

  • By using this software, you can quicken the process of reconciling your accounts.
  • The new update is designed to quicken the response time of the application.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • In literature, 'quicken' has been used for centuries to describe the process of making life or action vigorous, often seen in old English poetry.
  • The term gained popularity in the 19th century when it was commonly used to describe the rapid advancement of technology.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that a person’s perception of time can change when they are excited or anxious, making moments feel like they 'quicken'.
  • Experiences that cause emotional arousal can actually result in faster responses or quicker decision-making.

Pop Culture

  • The word has appeared in various song titles reflecting themes of urgency and rapid personal change, such as in 'Quicken' by multiple artists.
  • In movies and TV shows, 'quicken' is often used to describe characters who are experiencing a sped-up transformation or realization.

Science

  • In biology, the term is used to describe how processes like cell division can 'quicken' under certain environmental factors.
  • Physiologically, fear or excitement triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, which can prompt a quicker heartbeat.

Origin of 'quicken'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'quicken' comes from the Old English 'cwic', meaning 'alive' or 'living', showing a connection to vitality.
  • In Middle English, 'quiken' also meant to revive or bring to life, which is where the modern sense of acceleration comes from.

The word 'quicken' originated from Middle English 'quiknen', which is derived from the Old English 'cwician' meaning 'to come to life'. Over time, the meaning evolved to also include the idea of making something faster or more lively.

See also: quick, quickening, quickly, quickness, quicksand.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,411, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.