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alacrity

noun
alac·​ri·​ty | \ É™-ˈla-krÉ™-tÄ“ How to pronounce alacrity (audio) \

Definition of alacrity

: promptness in response : cheerful readiness accepted the invitation with alacrity
Other Words from alacrity Synonyms Alacrity Predates Shakespeare More Example Sentences Learn More about alacrity

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Other Words from alacrity

alacritous \ -​krÉ™-​tÉ™s How to pronounce alacritous (audio) \ adjective

Alacrity Predates Shakespeare

I have not that alacrity of spirit / Nor cheer of mind that I was wont to have, says Shakespeare’s King Richard III in the play that bears his name. When Shakespeare penned those words some 400 years ago, "alacrity" was less than a hundred years old. Our English word derives from the Latin word alacer, which means "lively." It denotes physical quickness coupled with eagerness or enthusiasm. Are there any other words in English from Latin alacer? Yes - "allegro," which is used as a direction in music with the meaning "at a brisk lively tempo." It came to us via Italian (where it can mean "merry") and is assumed to be ultimately from "alacer."

Examples of alacrity in a Sentence

Surely one of the most striking features of human dynamics is the alacrity with which those who have been oppressed will oppress whomever they can once the opportunity presents itself. — Randall Kennedy, Atlantic, May 1997 Every Disney worker I spoke to, from ticket sellers to gardeners sprucing up already-immaculate flower beds, knew the answer to my questions and responded with smiling alacrity. — Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 1990 … when he entered the drawing room before dinner, the buzz of discussion was high between Tom, Maria, and Mr. Yates; and Mr. Rushworth stepped forward with great alacrity to tell him the agreeable news. — Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814 She accepted the invitation with an alacrity that surprised me. having just acquired his driver's license that morning, the teen agreed with alacrity to drive his cousin to the airport
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Recent Examples on the Web

 But equally troubling is the alacrity with which Japan imposed trade sanctions. — The Economist, "South Korea and Japan are taking their historical feud too far," 31 Aug. 2019 The alacrity with which Hong Kong's private firms sought to prostrate themselves before the state drew scorn in the global business press. — Fortune, "Can Trump ‘Order’ US Firms Out of China? Should He? — CEO Daily," 24 Aug. 2019 Frank Mirahmadi, who was mentored by Wrona, has assumed the race calling job with both alacrity and precision, making his own mark, but without an Australian accent. — John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, "Racing! Michael Wrona is back," 3 Aug. 2019 Lately, the periods of alarm and alacrity seem to have shortened. — The Economist, "The global economy is on a knife-edge," 27 June 2019 Three hours after Mr Morsi died Egypt’s public prosecutor, acting with unusual alacrity, published a report on his death. — The Economist, "Muhammad Morsi, Egypt’s only democratic ruler, dies in court," 17 June 2019 Despite the landing problem, the rocket completed its primary mission with alacrity. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "After 26 straight successes, SpaceX fails to land Falcon 9 it wanted back," 5 Dec. 2018 So there is no reason to be moving with too much alacrity. — Eric Morath, WSJ, "Consumer Prices Moderate After Run-Up Earlier in 2018," 13 Sep. 2018 While Congress moves with its typical alacrity, families continue to be dumped at the McAllen bus station. — Jennifer Epstein, Bloomberg.com, "Trump Policy Sows Confusion and Anxiety Across the Mexican Border," 28 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alacrity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of alacrity

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for alacrity

Latin alacritas, from alacr-, alacer lively, eager

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More Definitions for alacrity

alacrity

noun
How to pronounce alacrity (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of alacrity

: a quick and cheerful readiness to do something

See the full definition for alacrity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

alacrity

noun
alac·​ri·​ty | \ É™-ˈla-krÉ™-tÄ“ How to pronounce alacrity (audio) \

Kids Definition of alacrity

: a cheerful readiness to do something He accepted the challenge with alacrity.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alacrity

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for alacrity

Spanish Central: Translation of alacrity

Nglish: Translation of alacrity for Spanish Speakers

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