alacrity
C1Formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
Brisk and cheerful readiness or eagerness to do something.
A quality of quickness and enthusiasm in action, often combined with a sense of willingness and liveliness.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often describes not just speed but an enthusiastic willingness, implying a positive disposition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in formal British writing, but the distinction is minimal.
Connotations
Carries a formal, slightly old-fashioned, and positive connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Relatively low-frequency word in everyday speech; more common in written, literary, or formal contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
V + with + alacrityN + of + alacrityVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There is no specific idiom with 'alacrity', but it is used in set phrases like 'with alacrity'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The team executed the new strategy with surprising alacrity.' (Positive feedback in reports)
Academic
'The subject complied with the researcher's instructions with alacrity.' (Psychology/Ethics papers)
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; might be used humorously: 'He accepted the last biscuit with alarming alacrity.'
Technical
Not typically used in highly technical fields; more common in legal or historical descriptions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Alacrity' is a noun; no verb form exists. Use 'spring into action' or 'leap at'.
American English
- 'Alacrity' is a noun; no verb form exists. Use 'jump at the chance' or 'eagerly accept'.
adverb
British English
- The adverb is 'alacritously', but it is virtually never used in modern English.
American English
- The adverb is 'alacritously', but it is obscure and unnatural in contemporary speech.
adjective
British English
- The adjective is 'alacritous', but it is exceedingly rare and not recommended for general use.
American English
- The adjective is 'alacritous', but it is archaic and stylistically marked.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She accepted the invitation with alacrity.
- The new volunteers set to their tasks with remarkable alacrity.
- To my surprise, he agreed to the challenging assignment with alacrity.
- The court's judgement was implemented by the authorities with uncharacteristic alacrity.
- Her alacrity in mastering the complex software impressed the entire training department.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ALACrity' sounding like 'a lack of rigidity' – someone moving quickly and willingly, not rigid or slow.
Conceptual Metaphor
READINESS IS A SPRING / ENERGY IS A QUICK ANIMAL (e.g., 'He sprang into action with alacrity').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'акробатика' (acrobatics) or 'алкогрити' (non-existent).
- Closest single-word translation is 'готовность' or 'проворство', but it specifically combines speed and eagerness.
- Avoid translating as просто 'скорость' (speed) or 'энергия' (energy); it lacks the voluntary aspect.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He did it in alacrity.' Correct: 'He did it *with* alacrity.'
- Misspelling: 'alaricity', 'alacricity'.
- Using it to describe inanimate objects: 'The machine moved with alacrity.' (Anthropomorphism – possible in literature, but not standard).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best exemplifies the meaning of 'alacrity'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal, literary word (C1 level). It is understood by educated speakers but is rare in everyday conversation.
Not inherently. It always denotes positive eagerness. Context could make it ironic, e.g., 'with suspicious alacrity', implying eagerness for a bad reason.
The prepositional phrase 'with alacrity' following a verb of action (e.g., accepted, responded, performed).
Yes, 'eagerness' or 'willingness' are good, more common synonyms, though they lack the specific nuance of brisk speed.