What does agilely mean?
Agilely is an adverb meaning to do something with agility — that is, with quickness, lightness, and easy control of movement. It describes actions performed nimbly: a dancer who moves agilely across the stage, a climber who picks a route up a rock face agilely, or a cat that slips through a narrow gap agilely. By extension, it can also describe quickness and adaptability of mind, as when a speaker responds agilely to unexpected questions. The word derives from the adjective "agile," which traces back through French to the Latin verb agere, meaning "to do" or "to set in motion." Though understood wherever English is spoken, agilely is used relatively sparingly in modern writing; many authors prefer near-synonyms such as "nimbly" or "deftly." When it does appear, it lends a slightly formal, literary tone, emphasizing grace and precision rather than raw speed.
adverbIn an agile manner; with quickness, ease, and nimbleness of movement or thought.
- With physical nimbleness, quickness, and ease of movement.
- (By extension) With mental quickness or adaptability; in a deft, resourceful way.
"The mountain goat picked its way down the cliff face agilely, never once losing its footing."
"She vaulted the fence agilely and landed without a sound."
"The negotiator shifted positions agilely as each new objection arose."
Agilely is the rare adverb hiding inside one of today's buzziest buzzwords — long before 'agile' meant software sprints, it simply meant moving like a cat.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of agilely
Agilely is formed from the adjective "agile" plus the adverbial suffix "-ly." "Agile" entered English from French in the early 17th century, ultimately deriving from the Latin verb agere, meaning "to do, drive, or set in motion." This same Latin root underlies related English words such as "agility," "agitate," and "act," making them true etymological cousins of agilely.
Related word forms
How agilely is actually used
A relatively uncommon adverb; writers more often use "nimbly" or "deftly." It carries a positive connotation of grace and control rather than mere speed.
Easily confused with agilely
"Agile" is the adjective describing someone or something that is nimble, while "agilely" is the adverb describing how an action is performed.