English Dictionary
Definition of “rapid”
rapid (ˈræpɪd
)
Definitions
adjective
- (of an action or movement) performed or occurring during a short interval of time; quick ⇒
a rapid transformation
- characterized by high speed ⇒
rapid movement
- acting or moving quickly; fast ⇒
a rapid worker
Alternative Forms
ˈrapidly adverb rapidity (rəˈpɪdɪtɪ) ˈrapidness noun Word Origin
C17: from Latin rapidus tearing away, from rapere to seize; see rapeC17: from Latin tearing away, from to seize; see 1
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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sudden,
prompt,
speedy,
precipitate,
express,
immediate,
fleet,
swift,
quickie,
expeditious,
Usage examples
The rapid barrage causes two photons to be absorbed instead of just one, exciting the dots to fluoresce.
New Scientist (2003)No one back then could have foreseen the rapid pace of change now familiar to us all.
Irish Times (2002)The twentieth century saw a rapid expansion of the town in all directions leading to a modern Ayr which positively bustles.
Glasgow Herald (2001)Even on Wall Street, where analysts had repeatedly insisted that the slowdown would be short-lived, hopes of a rapid recovery were fading.
John Cassidy, DOT.CON (2001)
