noun
alacrity
uh-LAK-ruh-tee/əˈlækrəti/
Brisk and cheerful readiness to do something.
The smiling volunteer steps forward with alacrity to accept the litter grabber.
Etymology
The pieces express a quality of cheerful liveliness: alacrity is willingness marked by energy and eagerness, rather than mere agreement. The deeper origin of Latin alacer is uncertain.
In context
they retreated with such great alacrity and enthusiasm that they dropped 18 rifles and a thousand rounds of ammunition
More examples
- The volunteers responded with alacrity when help was needed.
- He rose with alacrity to greet his old friend.
- Their alacrity surprised the organizer, who had expected reluctance.
Similar words
- eagerness
- Emphasizes strong desire without necessarily implying prompt action.
- readiness
- Emphasizes preparedness or willingness without necessarily cheerful enthusiasm.