Word of the day · 7 July 2026
alacrity
/əˈlækrɪti/
noun
Brisk and cheerful readiness; prompt willingness.
In a sentence
- She accepted the extra shift with surprising alacrity.
- Volunteers moved with alacrity once the route was clear.
- He answered the summons with alacrity, bag already packed.
In an image
Origin
From Latin alacritas (liveliness, eagerness), from alacer (lively, eager).
History
English borrowed alacrity in the 1500s for eager promptness. It often appears in formal or literary prose, yet the idea is simple: someone acts quickly because they want to. Military and workplace writing still favors it when mere speed sounds cold. The word pairs readiness with good humor rather than grim duty.
Nearby words
eagerness · readiness · promptness
Speed with a willing spirit, not only haste.