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 Word Forms

• unnimbly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nimbly¹

nimb(le) ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

This popemobile is a gas, a great ride that veers nimbly between smart and silly.

From Los Angeles Times

The current rules and biological opinions provide additional flexibility that allows operators of the pumping facilities to the Delta to “respond more nimbly to real-time conditions,” Nemeth said.

From Los Angeles Times

The agency is in dire need of upgraded data analysis systems, Lurie says, which would help it more nimbly manage the brush fire of a contagious disease before it gets out of control.

From Science Magazine

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

Related Words

• gracefully