Quickened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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quickened

[ˈkwɪk(ə)nd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

increased speed

Quickened refers to the action of making something move faster or happen sooner. It can also refer to the process of causing something to happen earlier than expected.

Synonyms

accelerated, hastened, instigated, sped up.

Examples of usage

  • She quickened her pace to catch the bus.
  • The team quickened the project timeline to meet the deadline.
  • His heartbeat quickened with excitement.
  • The news report quickened the public's response to the crisis.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In literature, 'quickened' often symbolizes awakening or realization, such as a character suddenly seeing the truth.
  • In the context of spiritual practices, people may refer to a 'quickening' as an inspirational moment that energizes their purpose.
  • Songs and poems frequently use the term to describe moments of intense emotion or urgency, amplifying a feeling of immediacy.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers associate the idea of being 'quickened' with enlightenment, as it suggests a transition from ignorance to knowledge.
  • Some theories in existentialism discuss the 'quickening' of one's consciousness, highlighting moments of profound self-awareness.
  • In past philosophies, the idea of quickening was tied to the essence of life and existence, often debated in terms of what it means to be alive.

Health and Science

  • In medicine, 'quickening' refers specifically to the first fetal movements felt by a pregnant person, marking a connection between life and movement.
  • From a physiological standpoint, quickening can refer to a rapid increase in heart rate or metabolism, indicating heightened energy.

Origin of 'quickened'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'quickened' comes from the Old English 'cwic', which means 'living' or 'alive', indicating a sense of vitality.
  • In Middle English, 'quicken' meant to bring to life, showing a historical connection between speed and life itself.
  • The suffix '-en' typically indicates a transformation or the act of becoming, so 'quickened' represents the action of becoming quicker.

The word 'quickened' is derived from the Old English 'cwic,' meaning 'living, alive, or animated.' It has evolved to encompass various meanings associated with swiftness and vitality. In Middle English, the term took on the form 'quiken,' which referred to the act of making something lively or to give life to. By the late Middle Ages, the verb 'quickened' was commonly used to denote not just increased speed but also the sense of stimulating or bringing something into being. Its usage has broadened over the years, and today it captures both the physical sense of hastening and the metaphorical sense of enhancing or intensifying experiences.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,146, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.