First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1quick
adjective \ˈkwik\
: done or happening in a short amount of time
: fast in thinking, learning, or understanding
: fast in moving or reacting
Full Definition of QUICK
2
: 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>
6
archaic : pregnant
7
: having a sharp angle <a quick turn in the road>
— quick·ly adverb
— quick·ness noun
See quick defined for English-language learners
See quick defined for kids
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Origin of QUICK
Middle English quik, from Old English cwic; akin to Old Norse kvikr living, Latin vivus living, vivere to live, Greek bios, zōē life
Related to QUICK
- Synonyms
- alacritous, alert, expeditious, prompt, ready, willing
- Antonyms
- airheaded, birdbrained, boneheaded, brain-dead, brainless, bubbleheaded, chuckleheaded, dense, dim, dim-witted, doltish, dopey (also dopy), dorky [slang], dull, dumb, dunderheaded, empty-headed, fatuous, gormless [chiefly British], half-witted, knuckleheaded, lamebrain (or lamebrained), lunkheaded, mindless, obtuse, opaque, pinheaded, senseless, simple, slow, slow-witted, soft, softheaded, stupid, thick, thickheaded, thick-witted, unbrilliant, unintelligent, unsmart, vacuous, weak-minded, witless
Synonym Discussion of QUICK
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
2quick
noun
Definition of QUICK
1
quick plural : living beings
2
[probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse kvika sensitive flesh, from kvikr living] a : a painfully sensitive spot or area of flesh (as that underlying a fingernail or toenail) b : the inmost sensibilities <hurt to the quick by the remark> c : the very center of something : heart
3
archaic : life 11
See quick defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of QUICK
before 12th century
3quick
adverb
: in a fast or quick manner
Full Definition of QUICK
: in a quick manner
See quick defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of QUICK
14th century
QUICKLY Defined for Kids
1quick
adjective \ˈkwik\
quick·erquick·est
Definition of QUICK for Kids
1
: done or taking place in a very short period of time <a quick look> <a quick nap>
2
: very swift : speedy <quick steps>
3
: fast in learning or understanding : mentally alert <a quick mind>
4
: easily stirred up <a quick temper>
— quick·ly adverb <I ate quickly.>
— quick·ness noun
Word History of QUICK
The word quick first meant “alive.” Most animals that are alive can move and run, so quick came to mean “moving” or “running.” From this sense came the sense of quick that is most familiar today: “fast.” New senses have come from this common sense. Quick can mean “alert,” which is “fast in understanding,” or “reacting fast.”
Synonym Discussion of QUICK
quick, prompt, and ready mean able to respond right away. quick is used when the response is immediate and often when the ability is part of a person's nature. <He has quick reflexes.> prompt is used when the ability to respond right away is the product of training and discipline. <The store gives prompt service.> ready is used when the response comes easy or is smooth. <He always had a ready answer to every question.>
2quick
noun
Definition of QUICK for Kids
1
: a very tender area of flesh (as under a fingernail)
2
: someone's innermost feelings <She was hurt to the quick by the remark.>
3quick
adverb
quick·erquick·est
Definition of QUICK for Kids
: in a quick manner : fast <Come quick!>
Learn More About QUICK
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