alertnessn.
/əˈləːtnəs/, U.S. /əˈlərtnəs/ The quality or condition of being alert; quickness in attention, action, or intellect; vigilance; liveliness.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > notice, observation > [noun] > alertness, readiness
address?1577
presentness1598
alertness1714
awaredom1752
wide-awakeness1841
wide-awakedness1845
wide-awakefulness1851
wide-awakeativeness1859
the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [noun] > briskness or activeness
businessa1398
activitya1425
activeness1513
pertness1575
whirry1622
smartness1644
brisknessa1655
alertness1816
1714 Spectator No. 566. ⁋4 That Alertness..which is usually so visible among Gentlemen of the Army.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. vi. 194 His alertness rendered the execution of these orders impracticable.
1816 J. Austen Emma III. v. 74 Jane's alertness in moving, proved her as ready as her aunt had preconceived. View more context for this quotation
1873 Buckle's Hist. Civilisation Eng. (new ed.) III. v. 281 A certain alertness and vigour of understanding.
1936 I. L. Idriess Cattle King vii. 54 In prick-eared alertness, the horses stood with heels ready to lash at the dogs.
1969 A. MacLean Puppet on Chain iii. 38 Not that junkies are renowned for their alertness.
2001 M. Steel Reasons to be Cheerful xxi. 247 The instant alertness with which a six-year-old wakes up on the morning they're going on holiday.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2012; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1714