The word "nimble" is spelled with the letters n-i-m-b-l-e. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /ˈnɪmbəl/. The stress is on the first syllable. The vowel sounds are short i in the first syllable and schwa in the second syllable. The consonants are pronounced as follows: n as in no, m as in me, b as in be, and l as in love. Nimble means quick and light in movement or action, and this word is often used to describe athletes or dancers.
Nimble is an adjective commonly used to describe a person or an object that possesses agility, quickness, and ease of movement. It refers to the ability to move swiftly and with dexterity, often in a graceful manner. When applied to a person, nimble implies a lithe and flexible physicality, characterized by the capability to react or respond promptly with skill and precision.
The word nimble can also be used metaphorically to depict mental agility or adaptability. In this context, nimble suggests the ability to think quickly, make swift decisions, and effectively adapt in various situations. A nimble mind exhibits sharpness, resourcefulness, and cleverness that facilitates rapid problem-solving and intellectual agility.
In terms of objects or machinery, nimble denotes devices or systems that are designed for swift and smooth movement or operation. For instance, a nimble sports car implies a vehicle with excellent acceleration, maneuverability, and handling capabilities.
Overall, nimble encompasses the qualities of speed, agility, lightness, and ease of movement, whether it pertains to human physicality or mental faculties, or to the functionality of objects. It is a term that denotes gracefulness and quickness, embodying the concept of being swift and proficient in performing actions or tasks.
Light and quick in motion; active; brisk; expert.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "nimble" originated from the Middle English word "nemel" or "nemel(e)", which came from the Old English word "nǣmel". This Old English word was derived from the Old Norse term "hnǣgr", meaning "quick to grasp" or "dexterous". Over time, "nǣmel" evolved into "nimble", which has had relatively consistent usage since the 14th century.