alacrity

noun

alac·​ri·​ty ə-ˈla-krə-tē How to pronounce alacrity (audio)
: promptness in response : cheerful readiness
accepted the invitation with alacrity
alacritous adjective

Did you know?

Alacrity Predates Shakespeare

"I have not that alacrity of spirit / Nor cheer of mind that I was wont to have," says William Shakespeare's King Richard III in the play that bears his name. Alacrity derives from the Latin word alacer, meaning "lively" or "eager." 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 English 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
Recent Examples on the Web But the supreme court showed little alacrity in hearing the multiple legal challenges brought before it. Vaibhav Vats, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2024 After de Maistre gave a performance of Alberto Ginastera’s Harp Concerto, a work of dreaminess and rhythmic alacrity, in the early two-thousands, Ginastera’s widow suggested that de Maistre transcribe the Argentine composer’s songs for the harp. The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2023 Members largely discussed the plans from Bronson’s homeless coordinator with tones of alacrity instead of frustration. Emily Goodykoontz, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Aug. 2023 Yet with the war well into its second year and no end in sight, the U.S. government has shown little alacrity in kick-starting domestic enrichment. Max Bearak, New York Times, 14 June 2023 The timing of Seafields’ plan is aggressive – a good thing considering the alacrity at which humanity needs to start drawing down atmospheric carbon stocks. Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 7 June 2022 In lobbying for alacrity in adopting a COVID-19 liability bill, proponents say time is of the essence for businesses now uncertain about potential COVID-19 liabilities, making the swift adoption of a protective measure for employers vital for the state’s economic recovery. John Haughey, Washington Examiner, 12 Nov. 2020 Cornyn and his fellow Senate Republicans, teaming with Trump, have worked with such alacrity on judicial confirmations over the last four years that, for the first time in a long time, there are no vacancies on Texas' four district courts or on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Tom Benning, Dallas News, 10 Sep. 2020 But, with unusual alacrity, authorities have used subpoenas and police powers to freeze boats suspected of having links to the Russian élite. Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 18 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alacrity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin alacritas, from alacr-, alacer lively, eager

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alacrity was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near alacrity

Cite this Entry

“Alacrity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alacrity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

alacrity

noun
alac·​ri·​ty ə-ˈlak-rət-ē How to pronounce alacrity (audio)
: a cheerful readiness to do something
accepted with alacrity
alacritous adjective

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