rapid

[ rap-id ]

adjective

, sometimes rap·id·er, rap·id·est.

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

Derived Forms

• rapidity, noun
• ˈrapidly, adverb

Other Words From

• rap·id·ly adverb
• ul·tra·rap·id 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

"Owing to their ecological importance and rapid decline, it is essential to significantly improve our knowledge and understanding of vultures in order to protect them," says Aschenborn.

From Science Daily

In Japan alone, 2,903 New Towns were built, but many experienced rapid population decline and aging in the 40 years after their development.

From Science Daily

A research paper titled "Targeted recruitment of immune effector cells for rapid eradication of influenza virus infections" has been published in the peer-reviewed Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

From Science Daily

In rapid succession, Donald Trump is filling his Cabinet with former television personalities.

From Salon

And what does that say about Christianity more broadly in a country where the numbers of churchgoers is in rapid decline?

From BBC

Related Words

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