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quick

quick

∞ 1.0
Happening or done very fast without delay
  • adjective
  • /kwɪk/
: rápido
  • Look we gotta get rid of all of this stuff as quick as we can.
  • quick and easy
  • a quick fix
  • a quick way

I'm sorry, Carl, that was a quick question.

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Examples

  • Well, we just want a quick chat.

  • School librarians have always been concerned with the ability to provide quick access to information.

    Academic text (2015)
  • So I hope you guys enjoyed this quick fun little video.

  • All right, we have to be quick 'cause it goes off in a sec.

  • With digital cameras, it's super easy to take a quick picture and then post to a profile.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Colleagues can use this wiki to get quick information on a variety of topics.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Can I ask you to take a quick look at a patient in Bay 4?

  • I was hoping I could have a quick word with you, if it's okay.

  • We're going to take a quick break and will be right back with more coverage.

Synonyms

fast
vsquick
∞ 1.0

Moving or happening quickly

is the common everyday name for that general motion sense
immediate
vsquick
395 1.3

Happening at once without any delay

is generally brief in time but can allow a short moment
instant
vsquick
277 2.0

Happening right away and needing action now

expresses urgency more than general swiftness
rapid
vsquick
264 1.3

Happening very quickly

covers swiftness in time rather than highest motion intensity
speedy
vsquick
66 1.8

Moving or happening very quickly with little delay

is similar but used more broadly across contexts
hasty
vsquick
54 3.9

Acting quickly without much thought or care

can be prompt while still being thought through and careful
instantaneous
vsquick
33 5.1

Happening right away without any delay

covers very rapid occurrence but may allow tiny measurable time
prompt
vsquick
30 3.4

Done quickly and without delay

is broader, applying to actions beyond scheduled punctuality
rushed
vsquick
22 1.8

Made quickly without enough care because there is little time

may be performed under calm conditions without pressure or haste
hurried
vsquick
12 3.4

Done quickly without careful thought

can show fast action without implying reduced care or urgency
expeditious
vsquick
6 7.8

Done quickly without wasting time

focuses on motion alone and may not imply efficiency
superfast
vsquick
2 3.2

Moving or working much faster than usual

means speedier action without implying an extreme degree

Antonyms

∞ 1.0

Moving or happening at a low speed

74 1.3

Slower than usual in development or learning

Idioms

double quick
  • Informal
4 4.1

Very fast, without delay

Able to respond quickly under pressure

to cut to the quick
  • Literature
3 7.9

To hurt someone's feelings very deeply

Fast to act or respond at the start of a situation

Able to understand new ideas very quickly

quick as a flash
  • Informal
1 2.0

Happen very fast

1 8.8

Very fast without waiting

in quick sticks
  • Archaic
9.9

Very quickly and in a hurry

Able to think and answer quickly in surprising or difficult situations

Compounds

35 4.2

A fast temporary solution that only works for a short time

To think and react quickly when things go wrong

12 1.4

A short journey to a place and back

quick buck
  • Informal
10 5.3

Money made quickly, often with little work or by dishonest ways

10 3.3

A person who learns new things quickly and easily

A dishonest plan that promises to make you rich quickly with little work

5 1.2

A short, easy book or article you can read quickly

4 3.9

To become angry easily or suddenly

Happens almost instantly

3 5.9

Able to change clothes or roles very quickly

3 3.0

Stops being wet very fast after you put it on

2 7.9

Very quick, as when soldiers march at twice the normal speed

quick time
  • Specialized
2 5.9

A normal marching speed of 120 steps per minute used in military drill

quick jab
  • Specialized
2 3.6

A fast, sharp punch in boxing that hits an opponent quickly

2 5.1

A marching pace faster than walking and slower than running at about 120 steps per minute

A short informal talk to share or clear up something

1 1.4

A short up and down head movement that shows agreement

1 3.1

A bread made with baking powder or baking soda so it can be baked right away

quick breather
  • Informal
1 3.0

A short break to breathe and rest

quick dash
  • Informal
1 3.7

A short fast trip to a nearby place for a small task

1 5.2

A fast forward jab with a hand or a weapon

quick comeback
  • Informal
1 3.6

A fast, clever reply to a remark or insult

quick-freeze
  • Specialized
1 3.8

A machine or process that makes food very cold quickly to keep its taste and vitamins

quick-frozen
  • Specialized
1 3.8

Made very cold quickly to keep the taste and nutrients

quick sesh
  • Slang
1 9.3

A short informal meeting to talk or relax

quick layup
  • Specialized
1 3.4

A fast basketball shot near the basket taken quickly after a player gets the ball

1 3.4

A movement faster than walking but slower than running

A question that follows another to get fast answers

1 5.4

A short breath you take to smell something

quick assets
  • Specialized
1 4.2

Money and things that can become cash quickly, like short-term investments or amounts customers owe

A very quick answer to a question given without thinking, often one after another

To think and answer fast and cleverly

1 6.6

A quick temporary solution made without care for small details

quick lip
  • Informal
1 9.3

A short rude reply said quickly to show anger or disrespect

A quick, clever reply that surprises others

Quick to notice small changes or details that others miss

A short answer that avoids the question

quick grass
  • Specialized
7.5

A fast-spreading grass with creeping roots that grows as a weed

7.4

A short kiss or quick light slap given suddenly

quick smoko
  • Australian
9.9

A short break at work to smoke a cigarette

quick snog
  • Slang
9.1

A short strong kiss given suddenly, often in private

quick squizz
  • Slang
9.6

A short hurried look at something

Able to hear very quiet sounds

quick whap
  • Informal
8.8

A quick, sharp hit that makes a short sound

How Fast

instant
277 2.0
rapid
264 1.3
quick
∞ 1.0
fast
∞ 1.0
prompt
30 3.4

Surface Forms

quick positive
quicker comparative
quickest superlative

Etymology

Quick comes from an Old English word cwic meaning 'alive'. Think of something that is alive and moving, and you can see why quick came to mean moving or acting fast.