Meaning of "quicken" in English

The word "quicken" in English generally means to make something faster or to stimulate activity. It can refer to increasing the speed of an action or process, such as quickening one’s pace. Additionally, in a more metaphorical sense, "quicken" can describe the process of making something come alive or start to develop, such as when feelings or emotions are revived. The term is used in various contexts ranging from physical speed to emotional or spiritual awakenings, making it a versatile word in the English language.

Meaning of "quicken" in French

In French, the word "quicken" is most commonly translated as "accélérer" or "animer," depending on the context. "Accélérer" refers to increasing speed or hastening a process, much like its English counterpart. Meanwhile, "animer" is used in scenarios where there is a revitalization or invigoration, bringing life or energy to something. It captures the multifaceted usages of the English "quicken," encompassing both tangible and intangible realms where speed or liveliness is enhanced.

Pronunciation of "quicken" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈkwɪkən/

Pronunciation Variations: In American English, the pronunciation is generally consistent. However, in some British dialects, the vowel sounds might be slightly more rounded or clipped, but this is minor.

Pronunciation of "quicken" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /ak.se.le.ʁe/ or /a.ni.me/

Pronunciation Variations: Depending on the region in France, there may be slight variations in the pronunciation of the "r" sound in "accélérer," ranging from guttural to a softer version.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. The runner quickened his pace to catch up with the lead. (Le coureur a accéléré son rythme pour rattraper la tête.)

  2. She felt her heartbeat quicken with excitement. (Elle sentit son cœur s'accélérer d'excitation.)

  3. The company seeks to quicken its production process. (L'entreprise cherche à accélérer son processus de production.)

  4. The movie's plot quickens in the second act. (L'intrigue du film s'accélère dans le deuxième acte.)

  5. The teacher's encouragement quickened the students' interest in the subject. (Les encouragements du professeur ont animé l'intérêt des élèves pour le sujet.)

  6. The wind quickened as the storm approached. (Le vent s'accéléra à mesure que la tempête approchait.)

  7. With the arrival of spring, nature begins to quicken. (Avec l'arrivée du printemps, la nature commence à s'animer.)

  8. He quickened his steps to avoid the rain. (Il a accéléré ses pas pour éviter la pluie.)

  9. The anticipation of the event quickened her imagination. (L'anticipation de l'événement a animé son imagination.)

  10. The doctor instructed her to quicken her breathing during the exercise. (Le médecin lui a conseillé d'accélérer sa respiration pendant l'exercice.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "quicken" in English

Synonyms: accelerate, hasten, speed up, stimulate, animate, invigorate, enliven, expedite, revitalize, spur.

Antonyms: delay, slow, hinder, retard, impede, decelerate, obstruct, dampen, weaken, dull.

Similar Words: escalate, prompt, facilitate, energize, rouse, galvanize, inspire, uplift, animate, enhance.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "quicken" in French

Synonyms: accélérer, animer, dynamiser, vivifier, stimuler, hâter, ranimer, propulser, activer, vitaliser.

Antonyms: ralentir, retarder, freiner, inhiber, bloquer, décélérer, diminuer, affaiblir, amollir, éteindre.

Similar Words: précipiter, engendrer, lancer, exciter, ravigoter, inspirer, motiver, galvaniser, activer, fortifier.

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