Alacrity

Definition

Brisk and cheerful readiness — willingness to do something without hesitation or delay.

Beyond the definition

Alacrity isn't just speed — it's the quality of moving toward something with energy rather than reluctance. When someone responds with alacrity, they want to be doing what they're doing.

Origin & history

From Latin alacritas (liveliness, eagerness), from alacer (lively, eager). Has been in English since the mid-16th century.

Example sentences

Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.

She accepted the research position with alacrity, already planning her first experiment.

The team responded to the crisis with surprising alacrity, resolving it within hours.

He lacked the alacrity his new role demanded — every task felt like a negotiation.

How to use it

This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”

Choose “Alacrity” when the meaning fits your context: Brisk and cheerful readiness — willingness to do something without hesitation or delay.

Synonyms

eagerness, readiness, keenness, willingness, enthusiasm

Antonyms

reluctance, sluggishness, apathy, hesitance

Related words

• zeal
• alacritous
• dispatch
• promptitude

Alacrity vs eagerness

Eagerness is the desire or motivation to act — an internal state of wanting. Alacrity adds the dimension of speed: not just wanting to help but responding without delay, with energy already in motion. You can feel eager without yet acting; alacrity is eagerness expressed as immediate readiness. The alacritous person has already started moving.

Questions about this word

What does "Alacrity" mean?

Alacrity is noun meaning: Eager, brisk readiness to act.. Brisk and cheerful readiness — willingness to do something without hesitation or delay.

Where does the word "Alacrity" come from?

From Latin alacritas (liveliness, eagerness), from alacer (lively, eager). Has been in English since the mid-16th century.