What is briskly? Pronunciation and usage in English

briskly means . Learn how to pronounce and use briskly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of briskly

brisklyadverb

/ˈbrɪskli//ˈbrɪskli/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "briskly." It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • brisk: This part is relatively straightforward. It sounds like "brisk" as in "a brisk walk."

    • br: Pronounced like "bree" (as in "breeze")
    • isk: Pronounced like "ish" (as in "wish")

  • -ly: This is the key to the trickiness. It's a suffix that turns an adjective into an adverb. It's pronounced "lee".

2. Putting it Together:

So, "briskly" is pronounced: "brisk-lee"

Here's a more detailed breakdown with emphasis:

  • brisk: BREE-sk
  • lee: (a short, quick "lee" sound, almost like you're saying “lightly”)

Tips and Considerations:

  • Don’t over-emphasize the “k” in “brisk.” It's a very soft “k” sound.
  • The “lee” is quick. It's not a drawn-out “lee.” Think of it as quickly adding the "-ly" suffix.
  • Listen to native speakers! This is the best way to learn. You can find examples on:
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/briskly/ (This lets you hear pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.)
    • Google Translate: Type "briskly" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • Is there anything specific about the pronunciation that you find challenging?

Usage and examples with the word briskly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "briskly." It's a fantastic word that adds a specific feeling to your writing or speech.

What does "briskly" mean?

"Briskly" means in a lively, energetic, and purposeful way. It suggests a quick, efficient, and often cheerful manner. Think of it as moving or doing something with a noticeable speed and vigor.

How to Use It – Examples and Grammar

  • As an Adverb (Most Common Use): "Briskly" almost always functions as an adverb, modifying a verb.

    • Example 1: "He walked briskly to the store." (He walked quickly and purposefully.)
    • Example 2: "The team started the meeting briskly, quickly getting down to business." (They began the meeting efficiently.)
    • Example 3: "She answered the phone briskly, giving her name and stating she wasn’t available." (She responded quickly and professionally).

  • With Verbs: It’s primarily used with verbs that describe movement, action, or performance.

    • Common verbs used with "briskly": walk, run, drive, speak, work, write, proceed, start, begin.

  • Sentence Structure: It typically follows the verb it’s modifying.

    • Incorrect: “He briskly walked.” (Grammatically awkward)
    • Correct: “He walked briskly.”

Nuances and Related Words

  • Sense of Energy: "Brisk" has a feeling of energy – it's not just fast, it's energetic.

  • Positive Connotation: Generally, "briskly" has a positive connotation. It suggests efficiency, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach.

  • Synonyms: Consider these depending on the specific shade of meaning you want:

    • Quickly
    • Rapidly
    • Energetically
    • Promptly
    • With vigor
    • Decisively

Let's Look at Some More Examples to Illustrate Different Contexts:

  • “The detective briskly questioned the witnesses, seeking every detail.” (Focus on efficiency and thoroughness)
  • "The wind blew briskly through the trees, scattering leaves across the lawn." (Describing movement of air)
  • “She briskly completed the report, delivering it to the manager by the deadline.” (Highlighting speed and accomplishment)

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some practice sentences?
  • Help you understand how it differs from other similar words (like "quickly")?

Synonyms for the word briskly

Practice with vocabulary briskly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager expects everyone to work ______ to meet the tight deadline.
  2. Clients appreciate when we respond to their inquiries ______ and comprehensively.
  3. Following the successful product launch, sales began to increase ______.
  4. Before making a final decision, the committee needs to analyze all proposals ______ for potential risks.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best describes a quick, energetic, and efficient pace for a business operation? a) languidly b) cautiously c) briskly d) slowly

  2. The new software update was deployed ______ across all company systems, resulting in immediate performance improvements. a) sluggishly b) gradually c) slowly d) rapidly e) efficiently

  3. To ensure the accuracy of the financial statements, the audit team reviewed every transaction ______. a) superficially b) carelessly c) diligently d) haphazardly

  4. During the quarterly meeting, the CEO addressed the core issues ______ and moved quickly to solution-oriented discussions. a) hesitantly b) diffusely c) briskly d) ponderously e) decisively

  5. Despite initial resistance, the negotiations progressed ______ towards a mutually beneficial agreement. a) stagnantly b) smoothly c) slowly d) quickly e) briskly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She walked quickly and purposefully to the board meeting, eager to present her proposal. Rewrite:

  2. Original: The company maintained a fast and energetic pace during the first quarter to meet aggressive sales targets. Rewrite:

  3. Original: We need to complete this critical task without any delay to stay on schedule. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. briskly
  2. promptly
  3. briskly
  4. thoroughly

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) briskly
  2. d) rapidly, e) efficiently
  3. c) diligently
  4. c) briskly, e) decisively
  5. b) smoothly, d) quickly, e) briskly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She walked briskly to the board meeting, eager to present her proposal.
  2. The company maintained a brisk pace during the first quarter to meet aggressive sales targets.
  3. We need to complete this critical task promptly to stay on schedule.

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