Antonyms for nimble


Grammar : Adj
Spell : nim-buhl
Phonetic Transcription : ˈnɪm bəl


Definition of nimble

Origin :
  • "agile, light-footed," c.1300, nemel, from Old English næmel "quick to grasp" (attested but once), related to niman "to take," from Proto-Germanic *nemanan (cf. Old Saxon, Old Dutch, Gothic niman, Old Norse nema, Old Frisian nima, German nehmen "to take"), from PIE root *nem- "to divide, distribute, allot," also "to take" (cf. Greek nemein "to deal out," nemesis "just indignation," Latin numerus "number," Lithuanian nuoma "rent, interest," Middle Irish nos "custom, usage"). With excrescent -b- from c.1500 (cf. limb (n.1)). Related: Nimbleness. In 17c., English had nimblechaps "talkative fellow."
  • adj dexterous, smart
Example sentences :
  • She longed to give it to Nimble Dick; he had saved her from so much this morning.
  • Extract from : « Ester Ried Yet Speaking » by Isabella Alden
  • When had Nimble Dick lost an opportunity for fun at the expense of another?
  • Extract from : « Ester Ried Yet Speaking » by Isabella Alden
  • This from the leader, who in time came to be known as "Nimble Dick."
  • Extract from : « Ester Ried Yet Speaking » by Isabella Alden
  • Her face was so distressed that Linda's nimble brain flew to a conclusion.
  • Extract from : « Her Father's Daughter » by Gene Stratton-Porter
  • He was at that time slender, nimble, and full of youthful ardour.
  • Extract from : « My Double Life » by Sarah Bernhardt
  • Hermod, called the nimble, an older brother of Baldur, said he would go.
  • Extract from : « Classic Myths » by Mary Catherine Judd
  • But nimble Mr. Trenchard was easily master of the situation.
  • Extract from : « Mistress Wilding » by Rafael Sabatini
  • You will have about you faithful lieges, willing subjects, nimble servitors.
  • Extract from : « Hiero » by Xenophon
  • One cannot help liking the rogue, although he is as nimble with his fingers as with his tongue.
  • Extract from : « The Balladists » by John Geddie
  • Nimble cried in reply, “Behold, how agile and entertaining I am!”
  • Extract from : « Boys and Girls Bookshelf (Vol 2 of 17) » by Various

Synonyms for nimble

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019