rapidity

[ ruh-pid-i-tee ]

noun

1. a rapid state or quality; quickness; celerity.

   Synonyms: fleetness, swiftness

Word History and Origins

Origin of rapidity¹

From the Latin word rapiditās, dating back to 1610–20. See rapid, -ity

Synonym Study

See speed.

Example Sentences

Sound to meaning connections are formed with great rapidity.

From Nautilus

“If we could decrease transmission and new infection rates, then we could decrease the rapidity of which these viruses mutate,” he said.

From Fortune

I just kind of knew it based on the rapidity of the infections.

From The Daily Beast

It will be remembered that pitch depends upon the rapidity of the sound waves or vibrations.

From Project Gutenberg

The fingers of all the clocks in the house were revolving with the most extraordinary rapidity--she was helpless.

From Project Gutenberg

Rapidity of action and a self-confidence which on the battlefield never felt itself beaten were the cause of Murat's success.

From Project Gutenberg

Spite, however, of punishments and prohibitions the use of tobacco spread with the rapidity of lightning.

From Project Gutenberg

There chanced to be a forked tree close at hand, to which the major rushed and scrambled up with amazing rapidity.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alacrity
• swiftness
• velocity