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

The incentives vary by location and project type, but here’s one example: Lots near both a Metro rail station and a rapid bus line could see developers build 120% more units than the underlying zoning allows, with the percentage of required low-income affordable units ranging from 11% to 27% of the new project.

From Los Angeles Times

It says the Rapid Support Forces militia is using vehicles in the Darfur region supplied by the United Arab Emirates that are fitted with French hardware as it battles the army.

From BBC

Experts say that rapid industrialisation coupled with weak enforcement of environmental laws have played a role in increasing pollution in the country.

From BBC

Rapid construction has also contributed to rising levels of pollution.

From BBC

And in 1990, a man sprayed acid on to the painting - although, this time, thanks to a guard's rapid intervention, only the varnish was damaged.

From BBC

Related Words

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