quicken

Everyday

1. To quicken means to become faster or to make something faster. tree →
2. To quicken can mean to become more lively or active. tree →

In the lessons

Mostly in stories and more formal writing: «her heart quickened», «he quickened his pace». In science (the body): your heartbeat quickens during exercise or when you are scared. Phrases: quicken your pace, my pulse quickened, quicken the process.

Examples

• He quickened his pace when it started to rain. tree →
• My heartbeat quickened as I walked on stage. tree →
• The music quickened and everyone danced faster. tree →
• Running makes your breathing quicken. tree →
• Warm weather quickens the growth of plants. tree →
• Her interest quickened when she saw the puzzle. tree →
• He quickened his steps, hastily drew off his straw sandals, and stepped on to the veranda. tree →

Note

Regular verb: quickened, quickening. -en added to an adjective makes a verb meaning «make or become …»: quick → quicken, short → shorten, wide → widen. In everyday speech people more often say «speed up».

In Jewish tradition

It is an old word meaning to give life to, or to revive. It does not mean "to speed up."

Interpretation. The psalmist asks God to renew his life and strength. The tradition reads this as asking God to bring new life through Torah and mercy, and in the end to revive the dead.

Examples

• Behold, I have longed after Thy precepts; quicken me in Thy righteousness. (Writings PSA.119.40, JPS 1917) tree →
• Great are Thy compassions, O LORD; quicken me as Thou art wont. (Writings PSA.119.156, JPS 1917) tree →
• Wilt Thou not quicken us again, that Thy people may rejoice in Thee? (Writings PSA.85.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: quickened, quickening. -en added to an adjective makes a verb meaning «make or become …»: quick → quicken, short → shorten, wide → widen. In everyday speech people more often say «speed up».