rapid

[rap-id]

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.

noun

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

rapid

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• rapidity noun
• rapidly adverb
• ultrarapid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rapid¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rapid¹

C17: from Latin rapidus tearing away, from rapere to seize; see _rape ¹

Synonym Study

See quick.

Example Sentences

The editorial notes that factors such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and increasing international travel are helping mosquito-borne viruses spread more widely, creating new public health challenges around the world.

Read more on Science Daily

His remarks reflect a rapid shift from just months ago in how business leaders discuss the potential human cost of the technology.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They note a rapid correction of freight rates ahead of the Chinese Golden Week holiday that starts Oct.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Bostic observes a rapid shift in business leaders’ concerns, with worries about inflation and potential layoffs now roughly even.

Read more on Barron's

The yen’s rapid decline, and the extremely low rates on Japanese government bonds, are likely to stoke what is known as the yen carry trade.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• accelerated www.thesaurus.com
• breakneck 
• brisk 
• expeditious 
• fast 
• hasty 
• speedy 
• swift