Quickness: meaning, definitions and examples

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quickness

 

[ˈkwɪknəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

speed

The quality of being fast or rapid; swiftness.

Synonyms

rapidity, speed, swiftness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quickness

This term is generally used to refer to the ability to think or react fast, often in a mental or conversational context.

  • Her quickness of mind allowed her to solve the puzzle in no time.
  • The quickness of his response impressed everyone.
speed

Used to describe how fast something or someone moves physically, it is the most generic term among the group.

  • The car's speed was astounding.
  • He was known for the speed at which he completed his tasks.
swiftness

This term emphasizes smooth, efficient, and unhindered movement, often with a poetic or literary touch.

  • The swiftness of the deer as it ran through the forest was mesmerizing.
  • She moved with the swiftness of a dancer.
rapidity

This word is often used in scientific or formal contexts to refer to the high rate or frequency of actions or processes.

  • The rapidity of the chemical reaction surprised the researchers.
  • The company's growth occurred with unprecedented rapidity.

Examples of usage

  • He moved with incredible quickness.
  • The quickness of her response impressed everyone.
  • The quickness of the cheetah is unmatched in the animal kingdom.
Context #2 | Noun

intelligence

Mental alertness and sharpness; the ability to think and respond rapidly.

Synonyms

agility, alertness, sharpness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quickness

Use quickness to describe the ability to move or react rapidly, often in physical activities or sports.

  • Her quickness on the track is remarkable
  • He completed the task with incredible quickness
alertness

Alertness denotes being aware and responsive to one's surroundings. It is commonly used in contexts highlighting the need for vigilance.

  • Drivers should maintain high alertness on the road
  • His alertness helped him notice the small details others missed
sharpness

Sharpness relates to keen mental or sensory perception. It often refers to quick intellectual understanding or the clarity of a sensory experience.

  • Her mental sharpness is evident in how she solves puzzles quickly
  • The sharpness of the image on the screen was impressive
agility

Agility refers to the ability to move quickly and easily. It is often used to describe physical flexibility and nimbleness, especially in sports and dance.

  • The gymnast's agility impressed the judges
  • Playing soccer requires a lot of agility

Examples of usage

  • Her quickness in solving problems made her a valuable team member.
  • The quickness of his wit always kept the conversation lively.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Old English word 'cwic', meaning 'alive' or 'lively'.
  • Middle English transitioned it to 'quik', reflecting a meaning tied to speed and liveliness.
  • The modern word captures both speed and the concept of being alert or ready.

Psychology

  • Research shows that faster decision-making can often lead to more innovative solutions, though not always accurate.
  • In cognitive psychology, quickness in response times is linked to increased attention and focus.
  • Studies indicate that quickness in reaction can influence perceptions of competence in social interactions.

Sports

  • Athletes train to enhance quickness as it can dramatically impact their performance in competitive sports.
  • Quickness drills, like sprints and agility exercises, are essential for improving reflexes and speed.
  • In sports like soccer or basketball, quickness is often as critical as strength or strategy.

Technology

  • In computing, 'quickness' often describes the efficiency and speed of software applications.
  • Internet speed and quickness in data processing are vital for user experience and satisfaction.
  • The development of algorithms focuses on enhancing the quickness of data retrieval methods.

Cultural References

  • Quickness is often celebrated in literature and film, showcasing heroes who act swiftly to save the day.
  • Fables and tales often feature characters whose quickness either leads them to success or helps solve problems.
  • Phrases like 'the quick and the dead' highlight the importance of acting swiftly in life and death situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "quickness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rapidez

🇮🇳 तीव्रता

🇩🇪 Schnelligkeit

🇮🇩 kecepatan

🇺🇦 швидкість

🇵🇱 szybkość

🇯🇵 速さ (hayasa)

🇫🇷 rapidité

🇪🇸 rapidez

🇹🇷 hız

🇰🇷 빠름 (ppareum)

🇸🇦 سرعة

🇨🇿 rychlost

🇸🇰 rýchlosť

🇨🇳 速度 (sùdù)

🇸🇮 hitrost

🇮🇸 hraði

🇰🇿 жылдамдық

🇬🇪 სისწრაფე

🇦🇿 sürət

🇲🇽 rapidez

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,305, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.