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

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

He urged the state to strengthen the protections of the California Values Act and invest in rapid response networks and legal services for immigrants who might be deported.

From Los Angeles Times

Polls are closed across many of the East Coast battleground states, and votes are being tabulated at a rapid clip.

From BBC

The rapid screening programme in Glasgow involved a total of 37 mobile X-ray units and radiographers seconded from cities across the UK.

From BBC

The rapid diminishment in quality of life described by residents represents another setback in city leaders’ attempts to provide long-term stability to one of the region’s largest portfolios of homeless housing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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