Meaning of Word
Agility refers to the ability to move quickly and easily, demonstrating physical or mental flexibility, responsiveness, and adaptability in a variety of situations.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Agility (noun): The ability to move quickly and easily, often used to describe physical dexterity or nimbleness.
- Agility (noun): The ability to think and understand quickly; mental sharpness or adaptability.
- Example (physical): “The athlete’s agility allowed her to perform impressive acrobatic moves.”
- Example (mental): “His agility in problem-solving helped the team finish the project on time.”
History and Origin
The word “agility” comes from the Latin agilitas, meaning “quickness” or “nimbleness,” derived from agilis, meaning “quick” or “nimble.” The term has been in use in the English language since the 14th century, initially referring to physical swiftness, and later expanding to include mental agility as well. Over time, it has become a common term used to describe both physical and cognitive flexibility.
Detailed Explanation
Agility refers to the ability to move efficiently and quickly, whether in the context of physical movement or mental processing. In a physical sense, agility is often used to describe athletes or individuals who can change direction swiftly, maintain balance, and perform tasks that require fast movements, such as in sports like soccer or basketball. In a mental context, agility refers to one’s ability to think clearly and quickly, to adapt to new ideas or environments, and to make decisions rapidly in response to changing circumstances.
In business and technology, “agility” is also used to describe the ability of organizations to adapt to changes quickly, such as in agile software development methods, where teams respond rapidly to new information or shifting client needs.
Example Sentences
- The gymnast’s agility allowed her to perform a flawless routine.
- He showed remarkable agility in adapting to the new role at work.
- Agility is essential for running back players in football.
- The team’s agility in making decisions helped them secure the contract.
- The dog’s agility was evident as it navigated the obstacle course.
- The agility of the dancer was impressive as she moved across the stage.
- In business, agility can help companies stay ahead of competitors.
- Mental agility is necessary to solve complex problems under pressure.
- The agility of the software development team ensured the project met deadlines.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Nimbleness: The ability to move quickly and lightly, both physically and mentally.
- Flexibility: The quality of being able to adapt or bend without breaking, applicable to both the body and mind.
- Quickness: The state of being fast or prompt in action, response, or thought.
- Dexterity: Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands, and the ability to move or think skillfully.
- Adroitness: The ability to handle situations or tasks with skill, particularly in the use of the mind or body.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Speed: The ability to perform a task in a short amount of time, often associated with agility in movement.
- Balance: The ability to maintain stability and control, often linked to physical agility.
- Coordination: The ability to use different parts of the body or mind together effectively, enhancing agility.
- Adaptability: The capacity to adjust to new conditions, a form of mental agility.
- Reactivity: The ability to respond quickly to stimuli or changes in the environment, often linked to both physical and mental agility.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Endurance: The ability to sustain physical or mental effort over time, often complementing agility in athletic or professional contexts.
- Stamina: The ability to maintain prolonged physical or mental exertion, often seen in athletes with high agility.
- Swiftness: The characteristic of moving or acting quickly, often used in reference to agility in both physical and cognitive tasks.
- Versatility: The ability to adapt or be used in many different ways, similar to agility in handling multiple tasks.
- Focus: The ability to concentrate attention or effort, supporting mental agility in problem-solving.
Antonyms
- Clumsiness: The lack of agility, characterized by awkwardness or slow, uncoordinated movements.
- Inflexibility: The inability to bend or adapt, both physically and mentally.
- Slowness: The opposite of agility, referring to a lack of quickness in movement or thought.
- Stiffness: The lack of fluidity in movement, often seen as the opposite of agility.
- Immobility: The state of being unable to move or change position, the direct opposite of agility in both physical and mental contexts.
