Alacrity

hard

uh-LAK-rih-tee

noun

Definition

Brisk and cheerful readiness

Examples

She accepted the challenge with alacrity.
The volunteers showed remarkable alacrity in helping the community.

Synonyms

eagernessenthusiasmwillingnesspromptness

Antonyms

reluctancehesitationunwillingnessapathy

Categories

GRE Tip

Alacrity is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "eagerness" or "enthusiasm" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "reluctance".

Related GRE Words

Master alacrity and 800+ GRE words

Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.