e sky. Figuratively, we speak of _nimble_ wit, _swift_
intelligence, _swift_ destruction. _Alert_, which is strictly a synonym
for _ready_, comes sometimes near the meaning of _nimble_ or _quick_,
from the fact that the ready, wide-awake person is likely to be
_lively_, _quick_, _speedy_. Compare ACTIVE; ALERT.

Antonyms:

clumsy, dull, heavy, inactive, inert, slow, sluggish, unready.
dilatory,

* * * * *

NORMAL.

Synonyms:

common, natural, ordinary, regular, typical, usual.

That which is _natural_ is according to nature; that which is _normal_
is according to the standard or rule which is observed or claimed to
prevail in nature; a deformity may be _natural_, symmetry is _normal_;
the _normal_ color of the crow is black, while the _normal_ color of the
sparrow is gray, but one is as _natural_ as the other. _Typical_ refers
to such an assemblage of qualities as makes the specimen, genus, etc., a
type of some more comprehensive group, while _normal_ is more commonly
applied to the parts of a single object; the specimen was _typical_;
color, size, and other characteristics, _normal_. The _regular_ is
etymologically that which is according to rule, hence that which is
steady and constant, as opposed to that which is fitful and changeable;
the _normal_ action of the heart is _regular_. That which is _common_ is
shared by a great number of persons or things; disease is _common_, a
_normal_ state of health is rare. Compare GENERAL; USUAL.

Antonyms:

abnormal, irregular, peculiar, singular, unprecedented,
exceptional, monstrous, rare, uncommon, unusual.

* * * * *

NOTWITHSTANDING, _conj._

Synonyms:

altho(ugh), howbeit, nevertheless, tho(ugh),
but, however, still, yet.

_However_ simply waives discussion, and (like the archaic _howbeit_)
says "be that as it may, this is true;" _nevertheless_ concedes the
truth of what precedes, but claims that what follows is none the less
true; _notwithstanding_ marshals the two statements face to face, admits
the one and its seeming contradiction to the other, while insisting that
it can not, after all, withstand the other; as, _notwithstanding_ the
force of the enemy is superior, we shall conquer. _Yet_ and _still_ are
weaker than _notwithstanding_, while stronger than _but_. _Tho_ and
_altho_ make as little as possible of the concession, dro