agility
uh-JIL-i-tee
/əˈdʒɪlɪti/
The ability to move quickly and easily, especially changing direction.
Combines speed with balance and coordination.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'agilis,' meaning nimble or quick. It comes from the verb 'agere,' 'to do' or 'to move.' It’s the ability to change direction as fast as you can think.
Word relationships
- nimbleness: Nimbleness often refers to light, quick footwork; agility is more about the whole body's coordination.
- dexterity: Dexterity usually refers to skill with the hands; agility refers to the whole body.
- clumsiness: Lack of coordination or grace.
Commonly confused with
- speed: Speed is how fast you go; agility is how well you can change that speed or direction.
Word family
- agile (adjective): Able to move quickly and easily.
- agilely (adverb): In an agile manner.
Collocations
- mental agility
- physical agility
- agility drills
Example sentences
- "Hockey players need incredible agility to dodge defenders while maintaining control of the puck on the slippery ice." Describing a hockey player.
- "Agility is the ability to change the direction of the body in an efficient and effective manner." A definition of athletic skill.
Memory hook
A-G-I-L-E: Always Going In Light Edges. Agility = Ability to be agile.
When not to use
Do not use for pure speed without direction changes.
Fun facts
- The 'Agility' dog sport involves dogs navigating an obstacle course as quickly as possible.
- Agility is considered one of the 'skill-related' components of physical fitness, alongside balance and coordination.
Explore more words
Also appears in
- Leadership → Adaptability in Crisis
- Business → Corporate Culture
- Engineering & Industrial Design → Supply Chain Engineering
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Combat Sports & Martial Arts
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Racket & Court Sports
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Gymnastics & Acrobatics
- Pets & Animals (Domestic) → Animal Training & Behavior
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