Words / C2

uh-LAKR-uh-tee/əˈlækrəti/

Alacrity is quick, cheerful willingness — not mere speed. Narrative and formal writing use with alacrity when someone jumps at a task. In speech say eagerly or at once; alacrity can sound Victorian if you drop it into a meeting.

Meaning

Quick and cheerful willingness.

Examples

• “She accepted the task with alacrity.”
• “Volunteers signed up with surprising alacrity.”
• “He agreed with alacrity, then vanished.”

Good to know

with alacrity. Everyday: eagerly / at once.

Near in meaning

eagerness

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