For almost two weeks, I've been devoting a great deal of my time to the art of changing my daily habits to help lose weight in a healthy manner in hopes that I can finally reach the goal I've been trying to attain for years. With the help of a couple of really amazing apps, my motivation has remained pretty steady, and I have plans in place for when it does begin to slip. So far, though, I've tackled each lesson and goal with alacrity, and I hope to continue to do so even as the high dips into a low.
Having something to get excited about can really boost motivation and enthusiasm. I'm excited about this part of my personal journey because I know that it'll eventually lead to a much healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. And I hope that each of my lovely readers has their own motivations that can continue to spur them forward in life. And if not, sometimes just having the drive to get out of bed is enough to master your day.
Alacrity | əˈlækrəti: noun: quickly and with enthusiasm
Much like yesterday's word, there is little on the etymology of alacrity. Derived from the Latin roots alacer (meaning brisk) and -itatem (no known meaning), which converged to create alacritas (meaning the same as alacrity). There are only a few other words related through alacer, including allegretto and aleger. Special thanks to etymologeek.com for the help.
Also, according to Merriam-Webster, alacrity had only just begun to be used in the English language less than a century before Shakespeare used it in the play, King Richard III with the quote, "I have not that alacrity of spirit / Nor cheer of mind that I was wont to have."
Alacrity | ə-ˈla-krə-tē: noun: promptness in response, cheerful readiness
In today's example, the scene is depicted with high energy and adrenaline. Danger is imminent, and enthusiasm and readiness are essential. So, naturally, I feel as though alacrity is a perfect word to use. And because I often see the depiction of alacrity with a less sinister setting, it's a good step away from the trope.
Her reply came with surprising alacrity. Eragon! I'm over Gil'ead. Don't do anything. Murtagh is on the way.
Though there wasn't as much as some of my other words to review, I still think that alacrity has a great foothold in the English language, and it can make for a valuable tool for the writers who wish to branch out from enthusiasm, fervor, or zeal. Do you think alacrity is a perfect synonym, or would you prefer a different word? Do you have another word to use in Word of the Day? Let me know what you think, and until next time, happy reading!
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