Rapid Meaning, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：quick (rapid)

rapid 🔊

/ˈræpɪd/

adj.

happening very quickly or in a short amount of time.

Rapid high-speed train moving fast on railway tracks

quick 🔊

➕

/kwɪk/

adj.

Describes an action, process, or change that occurs very quickly or in a short period of time.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'rapidus' (swift, snatching), derived from 'rapere' (to seize).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a rapper 'rapping' at high speed — 'rap-id' sounds like rapid speech.

📖 Example

The rapid development of solar panels has made clean energy more affordable for families. 🔊 The rapid development of solar panels has made clean energy more affordable for families.

🔗 Collocations

rapid growth – quick increase in size or amount

rapid change – fast transformation or shift

rapid response – immediate reaction to a situation

🔄 Synonyms

fast (adj.) – moving or capable of moving at high speed.

quick (adj.) – done or occurring in a short period of time.

swift (adj.) – happening quickly or promptly.

🚫 Antonyms

slow (adj.) – moving or operating at a low speed.

gradual (adj.) – taking place slowly over a period of time.

leisurely (adj.) – done without hurry; relaxed.

🌱 Derivatives

rapidity (n.) – the quality of being fast or quick.

rapidly (adv.) – in a fast or quick manner.

rapidness (n.) – the state of being rapid.

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'rapere' meaning 'to seize or carry off'. In English, it first described swift river currents (rapids), then generalized to any fast action.