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Quickly: meaning, definitions and examples

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quickly

 

[ˈkwɪkli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a fast manner

At a high rate of speed; rapidly; swiftly.

Synonyms

promptly, rapidly, speedily, swiftly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quickly

General situations requiring fast action or movement, without focusing on professionalism or immediacy.

  • She quickly finished her homework
  • He ran quickly to catch the bus
rapidly

Situations emphasizing high speed, often referring to processes, growth, or changes over a period.

  • Technology has rapidly advanced in the last decade
  • The company's sales figures are increasing rapidly
swiftly

Describing movement or action that is very fast and smooth, often in literary or descriptive contexts.

  • She moved swiftly across the dance floor
  • The decision was made swiftly and without delay
speedily

Emphasizing efficiency and often associated with tasks or actions that need to be completed fast, sometimes in a formal context.

  • The customer service team resolved the issues speedily
  • He completed the project speedily
promptly

Formal or professional settings where immediate action is required or highly valued.

  • The manager responded promptly to the client's concerns
  • We need to leave promptly at 8 AM

Examples of usage

  • She quickly finished her homework before going out with her friends.
  • He quickly ran to catch the bus before it left.
Context #2 | Adjective

done with speed

Moving fast or doing something in a short amount of time.

Synonyms

fast, hasty, rapid, speedy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quickly

Used to describe something done in a short amount of time. It can refer to both physical actions and changes or processes. It is neutral in tone.

  • She finished her homework quickly
  • The new policy was implemented quickly
speedy

Suggests high speed and efficiency in completing a task. It is slightly less formal than 'rapid' and can be used in both personal and professional contexts.

  • We need to find a speedy solution to this problem
  • The delivery was very speedy
fast

Commonly used to describe speed. It is often associated with physical movement and performance, such as running, driving, or technology. It is neutral but can be more emphatic than 'quickly'.

  • He runs very fast
  • This computer processes data fast
rapid

Describes something happening or moving very quickly, often used in more formal or technical contexts. It can refer to growth, development, or motion.

  • The patient's condition showed rapid improvement
  • The company is experiencing rapid growth
hasty

Implies something done with excessive speed, often without sufficient care or thought. It carries a negative connotation.

  • His hasty decision led to many problems
  • Don't be hasty, think it through

Examples of usage

  • The quickly approaching storm forced everyone to seek shelter.
  • She gave a quickly prepared speech at the event.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English word 'cwic', meaning 'alive' or 'lively', showing a connection to speed and energy.
  • It evolved over the centuries, retaining a sense of liveliness and swiftness as languages changed.
  • The use of 'quickly' to denote speed became popular in the 14th century, reflecting the increasingly fast pace of life.

Psychology

  • Research shows that humans can process visual information quickly, which is why quick actions can be crucial in emergencies.
  • The concept of 'swift decision-making' studies how speed can impact judgment, often leading to quicker but sometimes less favorable outcomes.
  • Feeling rushed or needing to act quickly can increase adrenaline, which is how the body prepares for immediate action.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'Time flies when you're having fun' often accompanies fast-paced scenes in movies and shows, emphasizing moments of 'quick' joy.
  • Rapid-fire dialogue is a hallmark in many comedies, making characters appear witty and fast on their feet.
  • Songs frequently include the theme of living life quickly, often highlighting the fleeting nature of time.

Technology

  • With the rise of the internet, the term 'quickly' has taken on new dimensions, relating to fast downloads and instant communication.
  • Innovations such as high-speed internet have drastically changed how quickly we can access information from around the globe.
  • In app development, user interfaces are designed for quick navigation to enhance user experience, reflecting our preference for speed.

Literature

  • Writers often use quick pacing to build suspense, drawing readers into fast-moving plots.
  • Classic tales like 'The Tortoise and the Hare' illustrate that speed is not always the most important aspect, merging lessons of quickness with deeper themes.
  • Many poems and stories employ imagery of speed, immersing readers in feelings of urgency and excitement.

Translations

Translations of the word "quickly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rapidamente

🇮🇳 तेज़ी से

🇩🇪 schnell

🇮🇩 dengan cepat

🇺🇦 швидко

🇵🇱 szybko

🇯🇵 速く (hayaku)

🇫🇷 rapidement

🇪🇸 rápidamente

🇹🇷 hızlıca

🇰🇷 빨리 (ppalli)

🇸🇦 بسرعة (bisurʿa)

🇨🇿 rychle

🇸🇰 rýchlo

🇨🇳 迅速地 (xùnsù de)

🇸🇮 hitro

🇮🇸 hratt

🇰🇿 жылдам

🇬🇪 სწრაფად (sts'rapad)

🇦🇿 tez

🇲🇽 rápidamente

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,204, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.