Langimage
English

quickening

|quick/en/ing|

B2

/ˈkwɪkənɪŋ/

(quicken)

to speed up or revive

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNoun
quickenquickensquickenedquickenedquickeningquickening
Etymology
Etymology Information

'quickening' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'cwicnian,' where 'cwic' meant 'alive.'

Historical Evolution

'cwicnian' transformed into the Middle English word 'quiknen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'quicken.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to come to life or become alive,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to accelerate or stimulate.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the first movement of a fetus in the womb felt by the mother.

The quickening was a reassuring sign for the expectant mother.

Synonyms

Verb 1

present participle of 'quicken'.

The pace of the project is quickening as the deadline approaches.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/05 17:54