rapid

American  

[rap-id] / ˈræp ɪd /

adjective

rapider, rapidest

1. occurring within a short time; happening speedily.

   rapid growth.

2. moving or acting with great speed; swift.

   a rapid worker.

3. characterized by speed.

   rapid motion.

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noun

1. Usually rapids a part of a river where the current runs very swiftly.

rapid British  

/ ˈræpɪd, rəˈpɪdɪtɪ /

adjective

1. (of an action or movement) performed or occurring during a short interval of time; quick

   a rapid transformation

2. characterized by high speed

   rapid movement

3. acting or moving quickly; fast

   a rapid worker

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Related Words

See quick.

Other Word Forms

• rapidity noun
• rapidly adverb
• ultrarapid adjective

Etymology

Origin of rapid

First recorded in 1625–35, rapid is from the Latin word rapidus “tearing away, seizing, swift”; rape ¹, -id ⁴

Example Sentences

For some, the rise and fall of Brewdog has been a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition, rapid expansion and hubris.

From BBC

After years of record fundraising and at times having to turn investors away from funds, private credit managers are now dealing with a rapid change in sentiment.

From The Wall Street Journal

Wars, as ever, are crucibles for rapid development—and adoption—of new tech.

From The Wall Street Journal

Private-asset-backed lenders fueled the rapid rise of a London mortgage lender that went bust last month.

From The Wall Street Journal

China's economy has slowed in recent years after decades of rapid growth powered by urbanisation, real estate development and infrastructure investment.

From Barron's

Related Words

• accelerated
• breakneck
• brisk
• expeditious
• fast
• hasty
• speedy
• swift