rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrapidVery quick
adjective / noun

rapid

RAP-id/ˈræpɪd/

Moving or occurring at high speed.

The cheetah races across open ground with rapid strides.

A cheetah racing across a small patch of open ground, its body stretched into a full-speed gallop, with kicked-up dust and short trailing motion strokes making very quick movement immediately readable.
Etymology
rapidLatinswift, snatching, impetuous

Latin rapidus meant both “swift” and “snatching,” linking speed with carrying something off. The meaning extended from quick movement or action to events happening in a short time.

In context

kidskount1:18
at a really rapid rate
A Peek Inside the Preteen Brain

More examples

  • The town's rapid growth puts pressure on its schools.
  • She makes a rapid recovery after surgery.
  • We paddle through the rapids toward calmer water.

Forms

rapid · more rapid · most rapid · rapids

rapidly adverb — At a very fast pace.

rapidity noun — The quality of moving or happening quickly.

Similar words

fast
A broader everyday alternative for movement or action at high speed.
quick
Often emphasizes little time taken rather than sustained speed.
swift
Often suggests smooth, flowing movement or prompt, decisive action.