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

Hollywood performers and writers in recent years have voiced grave concerns about the rapid development of generative AI.

From Los Angeles Times

The boom in exports, following a contract to build five Type 31 ships for Britain's Royal Navy, marks a rapid turnaround for Scottish shipbuilding.

From BBC

“The rapid water cycle change that the planet has experienced over the last decade has unleashed a wave of rapid drying.”

From Los Angeles Times

Murdoch acknowledged the rapid growth of the game has presented challenges.

From BBC

Too much caffeine can cause a rapid heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms and seizures too.

From BBC

Related Words

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