Quickly: Meaning, Examples, and Usage as an Adverb

Meaning 1：rapidly (quickly)

quickly 🔊

/ˈkwɪkli/

adv.

happening in a short time or at a fast speed.

Quickly adverb illustration runner sprinting on track

rapidly 🔊

➕

/ˈræpɪdli/

adv.

Doing something in a short amount of time or with high speed.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'quick' (Old English cwic 'living, alive') + '-ly' (adverbial suffix).

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a 'quick' bunny hopping '-ly' (suffix) to finish a race fast — quick + ly = quickly.

📖 Example

I woke up late, so I had to quickly brush my teeth and run to catch the bus. 🔊 Because I woke up late, I had to brush my teeth fast and run to catch the bus.

🔗 Collocations

move quickly – to change position or go from one place to another with speed

respond quickly – to answer or react without delay

learn quickly – to acquire knowledge or skills in a short time

🔄 Synonyms

rapidly (adv.) – at a fast rate or speed

swiftly (adv.) – moving or capable of moving with great speed

hastily (adv.) – with excessive speed or urgency, often without careful thought

🚫 Antonyms

slowly (adv.) – at a low speed or without haste

gradually (adv.) – in a gradual way; step by step

leisurely (adv.) – without hurry; in a relaxed manner

🌱 Derivatives

quickness (n.) – the quality of being fast or rapid

quick (adj.) – moving fast or doing something in a short time

📖 Cultural Story

Old English 'cwic' meant 'living' or 'alive'. The sense of speed emerged from 'lively movement'. It became common in urgent commands like 'Quickly!' in modern English.