What does quickly mean?
Quickly is an adverb meaning at a fast speed, within a short time, or without delay. It is widely used to describe actions completed rapidly: someone who quickly adjusts to a new situation, a message that quickly reaches its recipients, or a problem that is quickly resolved. The word is grammatically straightforward and appropriate in formal writing, business communication, journalism, and everyday speech. Depending on context, it can also carry a slight implication of haste. For example, saying that a decision was made quickly may suggest that there was little opportunity for discussion or careful thought. Although the related adjective quick is sometimes confused with the adverb, the distinction is simple: quick describes a person, thing, or action, while quickly describes how an action is performed. Quickly is especially useful when the speed of an event matters or when the writer wants to emphasize promptness and efficiency.
adverbAt a fast speed; in a short time. It can also mean promptly or without delay.
- At a fast speed or with little time taken.
- Promptly, or without unnecessary delay.
"The emergency team quickly controlled the situation."
"The message quickly reached everyone in the office."
"She quickly reviewed the proposal before the meeting began."
The word quickly has a deceptively literal history: it means “in the manner of being quick,” and it remains one of English’s most useful adverbs for expressing speed, urgency, and brevity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quickly come from?
Quickly is an English formation in quick plus the adverbial suffix -ly. The adjective quick descends from Old English cwic, meaning “alive,” “living,” or “full of life,” and developed the sense “rapid” over time. The related forms quicken, quicksilver, and quicksand belong to the same older word family, although their modern meanings are specialized. The adverbial use of quickly is attested from the early modern period and became established as a common way of expressing speed.
Related word forms
How quickly is actually used
Quickly is neutral in register and is common in both formal and informal English. It can sometimes imply haste, as in “He quickly made up his mind,” so it may suggest speed at the expense of careful consideration.
Easily confused with quickly
Quick is usually an adjective describing something fast or brief, whereas quickly is an adverb describing the manner or speed of an action.