What term means to act quickly or in a swift manner?

The term "swiftly" captures the essence of acting quickly or in a rapid manner. It directly denotes speed and efficiency, implying that an action is performed without delay and with a sense of urgency. In many contexts, especially in healthcare or emergency situations, the ability to act swiftly can be crucial for effective outcomes.

Other terms like "punctually" refer to being on time, which does not necessarily imply quickness in action but rather timeliness in arrival or completion. "Gradually" conveys a sense of slow progression over time, which is the opposite of acting quickly. "Instantly," while synonymous with immediate action, emphasizes a sense of no time delay at all, which can sometimes imply a more urgent response than "swiftly," but does not have that nuanced implication of speed as thoroughly as "swiftly" does. Therefore, "swiftly" is the term that best embodies the meaning of acting quickly.