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Quickening: meaning, definitions and examples

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quickening

 

[ˈkwɪkənɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

the process of becoming faster or more active

Quickening refers to the acceleration or intensification of a process, often leading to a heightened pace or level of activity. It can be seen as a sudden increase in speed or energy.

Synonyms

acceleration, intensification, speeding up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quickening

used to describe something becoming faster, more active, or more excited, often in a natural or gradual way.

  • The quickening of the heartbeat is a sign of excitement
  • The quickening pace of technological development is remarkable
acceleration

used to describe an increase in the speed or rate of something, commonly used in technical, scientific, or measurement contexts.

  • The acceleration of the car was impressive
  • Acceleration in climate change is a major concern
intensification

used to describe something becoming stronger or more acute, often used in the context of emotions, situations, or processes.

  • The intensification of the storm caused widespread damage
  • The intensification of his feelings was evident
speeding up

used in everyday language to describe something becoming faster, typically in a more casual or informal context.

  • The project is speeding up thanks to additional resources
  • She noticed that traffic was speeding up as the morning rush hour began

Examples of usage

  • The quickening of technological advancements has revolutionized the way we communicate.
  • With the quickening of his heartbeat, he knew he was in danger.
  • The quickening of the music signaled the start of the dance.
  • The quickening of economic growth brought prosperity to the region.
  • The quickening of her breathing indicated her excitement.
Context #2 | Noun

the first movement of the fetus in the uterus

In pregnancy, quickening refers to the initial movements of the fetus in the uterus, usually felt by the mother between 16 and 25 weeks. It is often described as a fluttering sensation.

Synonyms

fetal movement, fluttering sensation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quickening

In addition to its medical use, this word can also be used in literature or poetic contexts to describe the start of life or a sudden increase in movement or activity.

  • In old literature, the quickening is often mentioned to signify the presence of life in the womb.
  • The forest seemed to come alive with a sudden quickening as the storm approached.
fetal movement

This is a more general and clinical term used by healthcare professionals to describe any movement by the fetus during pregnancy.

  • It's important to monitor fetal movement to ensure the baby is developing normally.
  • She was advised to count the fetal movements each day.
fluttering sensation

Often used by expectant mothers to describe the initial light and fluttery feeling of the baby's first movements; it can be felt as a gentle, fleeting sensation.

  • She described the feeling as a fluttering sensation in her belly.
  • The fluttering sensation made her realize that the baby was starting to move.

Examples of usage

  • She felt the quickening of the baby for the first time.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Old English word 'cwic' meaning 'alive' or 'living'.
  • Historically, 'quickening' referred to the moment when life was believed to begin in the womb.

Historical Perspectives

  • In medieval times, quickening was seen as a significant milestone, often marking when a woman could claim a child legally.
  • During the Renaissance, it was customary for women to celebrate the quickening with special gatherings or rituals.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, quickening is associated with the growing bond between mother and child, symbolizing connection and life.
  • Literature often uses quickening to symbolize hope and new beginnings.

Health and Science

  • Medical professionals often consider quickening to occur between weeks 16-25 of pregnancy, though it can vary.
  • Feeling the baby move can indicate its health, with changes in movement patterns sometimes leading to further medical checks.

Pop Culture

  • Films and books depicting pregnancy often highlight the quickening as an emotional turning point for characters.
  • In various media, quickening evokes themes of maternal instinct and the mystery of new life.

Translations

Translations of the word "quickening" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aceleração

🇮🇳 तेजी

🇩🇪 Beschleunigung

🇮🇩 percepatan

🇺🇦 прискорення

🇵🇱 przyspieszenie

🇯🇵 加速

🇫🇷 accélération

🇪🇸 aceleración

🇹🇷 hızlanma

🇰🇷 가속

🇸🇦 تسريع

🇨🇿 zrychlení

🇸🇰 zrýchlenie

🇨🇳 加速

🇸🇮 pospešitev

🇮🇸 hraða

🇰🇿 жылдамдық

🇬🇪 აჩქარება

🇦🇿 sürətlənmə

🇲🇽 aceleración

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,549, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.