agile

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Able to move your body quickly, lightly, and with good control.

   Grammar: Used before a noun or after a verb: an agile climber; the cat is agile.

   Patterns

   • agile at something

   The agile goalkeeper leapt to catch the ball.

   Goats are surprisingly agile on steep rocks.

   She stayed agile well into her seventies.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Quick to think, understand, and adjust to new situations.

   Grammar: Often describes minds or organizations: an agile mind.

   Patterns

   • an agile mind

   He has an agile mind and solves puzzles fast.

   Small companies can be more agile than large ones.

   The agile team changed plans when the market shifted.

3. 3adjectivebefore a nounbusinesscomputing

   Describing a way of managing projects, especially software, in short cycles with frequent feedback and changes.

   Grammar: Often capitalized and used before a noun: agile development.

   Patterns

   • agile development
   • agile methodology

   Our team uses agile methods and releases updates every two weeks.

   She is certified in agile project management.

Word forms

Common combinations

agile mind

An agile mind helps in debate.

remarkably agile

The dancer was remarkably agile.

agile development

Agile development relies on short sprints.

agile team

An agile team adapts quickly.

Synonyms and how they differ

nimble

Nimble stresses light, quick movement of feet or fingers, with a more playful tone.

supple

Supple is about bending easily, not about speed.

flexible

Flexible is about willingness to change but not necessarily quick speed.

Opposites

Word family

agility noun

the ability to move or think quickly

agilely adverb

in an agile way

Commonly confused: agile or fragile?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “agile”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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