Alacrities

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A state of cheerful readiness and eagerness to respond quickly or with enthusiasm in various situations; an indication of liveliness and briskness in action or behavior; the quality of being prompt and willing to take on tasks with a joyful spirit
2. A disposition characterized by a lively and enthusiastic willingness to take action or fulfill requests; a demonstration of quickness and cheerfulness in readiness and response; the trait of being agile and eager in performing duties or engaging in activities
3. An eagerness to act or respond that manifests itself through energetic and prompt participation; a marked propensity for swift and cheerful compliance with demands; an enthusiastic readiness that reflects liveliness and agility in handling tasks

Etymology: "Alacrities" is the plural of "alacrity," which is a noun meaning eager, prompt readiness. Because it is a plural, it is used in the sense of separate displays of that readiness, though it appears far less often than the singular. The singular entered English in the mid-15th century as "alacrite," borrowed from Latin "alacritas." That Latin noun was built from "alacer," meaning "brisk" or "lively," and the suffix "-itas," which turns adjectives into abstract nouns and gave English the "-ity" ending. So the word's core idea is a kind of brisk liveliness, the opposite of sluggishness.

Synonyms: eagerness, enthusiasm, readiness

Antonyms: apathy, indifference