What is quickly? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of quickly

quicklyadverb

/ˈkwɪkli/
Definition & pronunciation of quickly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "quickly" in English! It's a tricky one for many learners. Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "quick": This part is relatively straightforward. It sounds like "kwik" (like the word "quick" itself). The emphasis is on the first syllable.

  • "ly": This is the tricky part. The "ly" at the end doesn't make a long vowel sound like "slowly". Instead, it's a weak vowel sound, almost like a short "i" – like the "i" in "bit".

2. Putting it Together:

So, "quickly" is pronounced something like: "kwik-li"

  • "kwik" – as we discussed, “kwik”
  • "li" – like "little" (as in "lit-tle")

3. Key Points & Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t overemphasize the “ly”: It's crucial to keep the "li" sound very light and brief. Over-emphasizing it will change the word completely.

  • Don’t say “kwik-lee”: This is a very common mistake! Don’t lengthen the “i” sound in "li."

  • Focus on the rhythm: It’s a quick, clipped sound. Think of it as two short syllables connected very closely.

4. Resources for Hearing It:

  • Google Translate: Type "quickly" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. This is great for hearing a native speaker.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/quickly/ This website has pronunciations from many different native speakers.

To help me give you even more tailored guidance, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (This can help me understand some of the pronunciation differences that might be affecting you.)

Usage and examples with the word quickly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "quickly" in English. It's a fairly common word, but it has a specific nuance!

1. Basic Meaning: Speed

At its core, "quickly" means "at a fast speed." It describes how fast something happens or is done.

  • Example: "He ran quickly to catch the bus." (He moved quickly.)
  • Example: "The water boiled quickly." (It heated up rapidly.)

2. Adverb Form – Describing Actions

This is the most common usage. "Quickly" modifies verbs – it tells how an action is performed.

  • Structure: Adjective/Adverb + Quickly + Verb
    • Fast quickly = "He ran fast quickly." (Less common, but grammatically correct – emphasizes the speed)
    • Quickly ran = "He quickly ran." (Most natural and common)

3. Describing a Brief Time Period

"Quickly" can also describe something that happens in a short amount of time.

  • Example: "I finished the report quickly." (It took me a short time to complete.)
  • Example: "She responded quickly to the situation." (She reacted promptly.)

4. With “Very” – Intensifying Speed

You can combine "quickly" with "very" to emphasize the speed even more.

  • Example: “He ran very quickly.” (He ran at a very fast speed.)

5. Common Phrases Using "Quickly"

  • Quickly move: (Don't stand there, move!)
  • Quickly answer: (Respond promptly.)
  • Quickly think: (Consider something rapidly.)
  • Quickly get up: (Rise to your feet swiftly.)
  • Quickly forget: (Be able to forget something readily.)

6. Contrast with “Slowly”

"Quickly" is often used in contrast to "slowly." They are opposites.

  • Example: "He moved slowly, but she moved quickly."

7. Important Note: "Rapidly" is a Similar Word

"Rapidly" is very similar to "quickly" and often interchangeable. However, there can be subtle differences:

  • Quickly: Suggests a general feeling of speed and ease.
  • Rapidly: Implies speed with a greater sense of urgency or abruptness.

Here's a table to summarize:

Use Example Explanation
Speed "He walked quickly." Describes how fast he moved.
Brief Time "I finished it quickly." Describes a short duration.
Intensification "He ran very quickly." Emphasizes the speed significantly.
Phrase "Quickly respond." Common action/response phrase.

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  • What kind of context are you interested in? (e.g., writing, speaking, a specific situation?)

Synonyms for the word quickly

Practice with vocabulary quickly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager asked us to complete the risk assessment ______ to meet the revised deadline.
  2. After the system update, we observed that data processing was handled much more ______ than before.
  3. Please respond to the client's inquiry ______ to ensure their satisfaction and maintain a good relationship.
  4. To avoid costly errors, all calculations must be verified ______ before submitting the final report.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The team was able to adapt to the new software interface ______ after a brief training session. A) quickly B) carefully C) rapidly D) reluctantly

  2. To secure the contract, we needed to finalize the proposal ______ and submit it before the competitor. A) quickly B) thoroughly C) diligently D) vaguely

  3. Her ability to learn complex programming languages ______ made her an invaluable asset to the development team. A) efficiently B) quickly C) swiftly D) meticulously

  4. When providing technical support, it is crucial to understand the user's problem ______ to offer the most effective solution. A) accurately B) erratically C) hastily D) precisely

  5. The new marketing strategy needs to be implemented ______ to capitalize on current market trends. A) effectively B) haphazardly C) productively D) successfully

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company found a solution to the supply chain issue in a very short amount of time. (Rewrite the sentence to use "quickly" or a related word form.)

  2. Her capacity to analyze large datasets with great speed is highly valued. (Rewrite the sentence to use "quickly" or a related word form.)

  3. We need to address the security vulnerability without any delay to protect user data. (Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word, not "quickly".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager asked us to complete the risk assessment quickly to meet the revised deadline.
  2. After the system update, we observed that data processing was handled much more efficiently than before.
  3. Please respond to the client's inquiry promptly to ensure their satisfaction and maintain a good relationship.
  4. To avoid costly errors, all calculations must be verified accurately before submitting the final report.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) quickly, C) rapidly
  2. A) quickly
  3. B) quickly, C) swiftly
  4. A) accurately, D) precisely
  5. A) effectively, C) productively, D) successfully

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company quickly found a solution to the supply chain issue. (or: The company found a solution to the supply chain issue quickly.)
  2. Her capacity to quickly analyze large datasets is highly valued. (or: Her quick analysis of large datasets is highly valued.)
  3. We need to address the security vulnerability expeditiously to protect user data.

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