quicker

Quicker is the comparative form of the adjective quick. It is used to compare speed between two subjects, indicating that one is faster or more rapid than the other. The standard superlative form is quickest, and the typical adverbial form for modifying verbs is quickly. In formal writing, quicker is usually treated as an adjective, while more quickly is preferred when describing actions.

Etymology and evolution explain its usage. Quick comes from Old English cwic, originally meaning alive or living, with the sense of speed developing over time. The comparative suffix -er developed in Middle English, giving rise to quicker as the usual form for comparisons of speed.

Usage notes emphasize context. Quicker can modify nouns in attributive position, as in a “quicker route” or a “quicker method.” It can also appear predicatively, as in “This route is quicker.” When describing how an action is performed, more quickly is the standard choice in formal writing, while quicker is common in informal speech: “Move quicker if you want to reach the bus on time.”

Related forms include quick (the base form), quickest (superlative), and quickly (adverb). The term is predominantly linguistic, but it is sometimes encountered as a brand name or stylistic choice in journalism or advertising.

See also: quick, quickest, quickly, faster, speed.