quick

Main Entry:: ¹quick
Pronunciation:: \ˈkwik\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English quik, from Old English cwic; akin to Old Norse kvikr living, Latin vivus living, vivere to live, Greek bios, zōē life
Date:: before 12th century

1: not dead : living , alive2: acting or capable of acting with speed: as a (1): fast in understanding, thinking, or learning : mentally agile <a quick wit> <quick thinking> (2): reacting to stimuli with speed and keen sensitivity (3): aroused immediately and intensely <quick tempers> b (1): fast in development or occurrence <a quick succession of events> (2): done or taking place with rapidity <gave them a quick look> c: marked by speed, readiness, or promptness of physical movement <walked with quick steps> d: inclined to hastiness (as in action or response) <quick to criticize> e: capable of being easily and speedily prepared <a quick and tasty dinner> 3 aarchaic : not stagnant : running , flowing b: moving , shifting <quick mud>4archaic : fiery , glowing5obsolete a: pungent b: caustic6archaic : pregnant7: having a sharp angle <a quick turn in the road>

— quick·ly adverb

— quick·ness noun

synonyms quick , prompt , ready , apt mean able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability. quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power <quick reflexes> <a keen quick mind>. prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response <prompt emergency medical care>. ready suggests facility or fluency in response <backed by a pair of ready assistants>. apt stresses the possession of qualities (as intelligence, a particular talent, or a strong bent) that makes quick effective response possible <an apt student> <her answer was apt and to the point>.

synonyms see in addition fast

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