Wednesday, December 3, 2008

WOTD

Word of the Day
Alacrity (noun)
Pronunciation: [ê-'læ-krê-tee]
Definition: Willing promptitude in responding, eager and happy quickness or speed.
Usage: "Alacrity," "celerity," "dispatch," and "expedition" all refer to quickness or speed. "Celerity" is a rather neutral term for swiftness though the cleanness in its sound implies a smooth swiftness without miscue or stumble. "Dispatch" (or "despatch") refers to promptness in settling some business or finishing a project (The contract was written and signed with great dispatch). "Expedition" derives, like "expeditious," from "expedite" and hence refers to an efficient swiftness (This is a complex project which requires completion with all possible expedition.)
Suggested Usage: Both "alacrity" and "celerity" are beautiful words we should use more often. Today's word, "alacrity," refers to a cheerful, eager speed, particularly a prompt willingness in responding: "Private Winthrop reported for latrine duty but without any sign of alacrity." The beauty of today's word lends itself especially for festive, decorative occasions, "Everyone joined to decorate the house for the holidays with a sparkling alacrity befitting the season."
Etymology: From Latin "alacritas," the noun from alacer "quick, eager, lively" + -itas, a noun suffix. It shares a source with Old High German ellen "zeal, courage," Old Norse eljan "power," Gothic aljan "zeal." (Today's is another word that germinated in the Agora. We can only write up some of the words discussed there; for the rest, you must try it yourself.) –Dr. Language, YourDictionary.com

Does any one want to have off tomorrow.........I do, I do....Is that an example of alacrity......sounds like it to me.....

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