nimbly

[ nim-blee ]

adverb

1. with quick, light, easy movement:

   Our daughter sits on the ground plucking dandelions, her long brown fingers nimbly weaving them into a chain.

2. in a way that shows quick thinking or understanding, as in making appropriate adjustments, devising or carrying out plans, etc.:

   Local governance is often flexible and community based, enabling municipalities to respond to evolving conditions more nimbly than larger and slower-moving state governments.

Other Words From

• un·nim·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nimbly¹

nimb(le) ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

He believes that Vance has the edge because "he comes off as fluent on policy, and he can nimbly respond to attack."

From Salon

Burstein amply and nimbly illustrates the conversation with film clips, newsreel footage, photographs and interviews.

From Salon

It’s also a ripping, nimbly paced action series that knows its audience and knows how to exploit this fandom’s strengths and weak spots.

From Salon

The woman moved nimbly, tomato-red streak in her silver hair, body draped in shades of fuchsia and cherry as she pushed the gleaming metal frame of a walker.

From New York Times

Small pharmacies can pivot more nimbly to respond to those unique consumer needs — such as hiring multilingual staff.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• gracefully