← Dictionary

quickly

/ˈkwɪk.li/
IELTSAcademic
adverb

In a fast way; with little time. It describes how an action happens.

  • She quickly finished her homework.
  • Please reply quickly.
  • He quickly learned the rules.

Adinary Nuance

Quickly is the neutral choice when you want to say something happens fast. It is broader than fast, which is often used as an adjective and sometimes as an adverb in informal English. It is also less direct than rapidly, which sounds more formal or written.

In other languages

Vietnamese
nhanh chóng
Spanish
rápidamente
Chinese
快速地
Japanese
速く
Korean
빨리

Etymology

Quickly comes from quick + -ly. Quick is from Old English cwic, meaning “alive” or “lively,” and later “fast.”

Common phrases

quickly enoughvery quicklymove quicklyact quickly

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is quickly formal or informal?
It is neutral. You can use it in speaking, writing, and business English.
What is the difference between quickly and fast?
Quickly is mainly an adverb. Fast is often an adjective, but it can also be an adverb in casual English.
Can I use quickly in IELTS writing?
Yes. It is common and safe in academic and general English.
Is quickly a common word?
Yes. It is very common in everyday English.