What does quickened mean?
“Quickened” is the past tense and past participle of “quicken,” a verb meaning to make or become faster, more intense, more active, or more responsive. It is especially common with words such as “pace,” “heartbeat,” “pulse,” “tempo,” and “interest,” where it describes an increase in speed, rhythm, or alertness. For example, a person may quicken their pace, while an unexpected event may quicken someone’s interest or heartbeat. The word is neutral in tone and is used in both formal and informal contexts. Historically, “quicken” meant to make something alive or to restore vitality, which explains the connection between physical quickness and heightened responsiveness.
verb (past tense and past participle of quicken)Quickened means made something happen more quickly or increased its speed, intensity, or activity. It can also mean to become more alert, lively, or responsive.
- Made faster or more rapid.
- Increased in intensity, activity, or degree.
- Became more alert, lively, or responsive.
"The hikers quickened their pace as the weather began to deteriorate."
"The arrival of the new team quickened the pace of the investigation."
"Her pulse quickened when she heard footsteps in the hallway."
From an Old English word meaning “alive,” “quicken” once meant to give life or vitality before it came to mean to make something faster.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quickened come from?
“Quicken” developed from the adjective “quick,” which comes from Old English “cwic,” meaning alive, living, or vigorous. The verb was formed with the suffix “-en,” originally expressing the action of making something alive or lively. In later usage, the sense broadened to include becoming more rapid and increasing in intensity. “Quick” and “quicksilver” are cognates sharing the same Old English root.
Related word forms
How quickened is actually used
“Quickened” is neutral in register and is commonly used with pace, heartbeat, interest, pulse, tempo, and similar terms. In the sense of becoming more alert or lively, it is somewhat more formal than “became more excited” or “woke up.”
Easily confused with quickened
“Quickened” is the past tense and past participle of the verb “quicken,” whereas “quicken” is the base form used after subjects other than the past or in infinitives.