alacrity
What does "alacrity" mean?
Alacrity describes a state of cheerful readiness, briskness, or eager promptness. Imagine someone being asked to do a favor and responding with a bright smile and immediate action; that energy is the essence of alacrity. It suggests not just speed, but a positive, willing spirit behind that speed. While it is a formal word, you will often encounter it in professional or literary contexts to describe a high-performing employee or an enthusiastic volunteer. It is frequently used with the preposition "with," as in "accepted with alacrity," emphasizing that the person did not hesitate or complain.
"alacrity" in conversation
Workplace promotion
I need someone to lead the new project starting tomorrow. Any takers?
I need someone to lead the new project starting tomorrow. Any takers?
I’ll do it! I’ve been looking for a challenge like this.
I’ll do it! I’ve been looking for a challenge like this.
I appreciate your alacrity, Sarah. Let’s get started.
I appreciate your alacrity, Sarah. Let’s get started.
Used here to praise Sarah's immediate and enthusiastic volunteering.
Dinner invitation
Do you want to come over for pizza tonight?
Do you want to come over for pizza tonight?
With the greatest alacrity! I’m starving.
With the greatest alacrity! I’m starving.
Using the word in a hyperbolic or playful way to show high interest.
"alacrity" in a sentence
She accepted the invitation with alacrity.
She accepted the invitation with alacrity.
The team responded to the emergency with surprising alacrity.
The team responded to the emergency with surprising alacrity.
He set about his new duties with an alacrity that impressed his superiors.
He set about his new duties with an alacrity that impressed his superiors.
