Meaning 1
The ability to move quickly, lightly, and under control.
Reach for it when praising responsive physical movement rather than raw speed
The goalkeeper's agility let her reach the deflected ball.
Meaning 2
The capacity to understand change and respond effectively without delay.
Reach for it when describing mental or organizational quickness under new conditions
The small lab used its agility to revise the trial within a week.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| everyday |
| |
| warm | ||
| professional |
| |
| literary |
everyday
Fits when light, precise movement matters more than power
Careful Nimbleness can sound dainty for a forceful athletic performance.
professional
coordination
Fits when body parts work together accurately
Careful Coordination can be excellent at a slow pace.
professional
Fits when fine control of the hands or body is central
Careful Dexterity is too local when the whole body changes direction.
literary
fleetness
Fits when swift graceful travel is being described
Careful Fleetness prizes speed more than control.
everyday
Fits when a person finds an answer rapidly under pressure
Careful Quick thinking may produce one solution without broader flexibility.
warm
Fits when effective adjustment matters even if it takes time
Careful Adaptability lacks the quick response implied by agility.
professional
Fits when prompt reaction to signals or needs is central
Careful Responsiveness can be obedient rather than strategically agile.
literary
mental suppleness
Fits when thought changes direction without becoming rigid
Careful This phrase is too figurative for an operational metric.
physical agility
Climbing the rig safely requires physical agility.
mental agility
Mental agility helped Nura connect the two witness accounts.
agility training
The coach added agility training before the tournament.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
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