rapid
RA-pid
/ˈræpɪd/
Happening in a short time or at a great rate.
Suggests a high frequency of events or a very high rate of change, often used for economic or technological growth.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'rapere', meaning 'to seize'. Imagine something moving so fast it seems to snatch things away as it passes. This is the same root that gives us 'rapture' and 'rapacious'.
Word relationships
- fast: Rapid is more formal and often refers to the rate of change rather than just physical speed.
- slow: Slow is the basic opposite of rapid's high rate.
Commonly confused with
- quick: Quick often refers to a single action; rapid refers to a series of actions or a continuous state.
Word family
- rapidly (adverb): Very quickly.
- rapidity (noun): The quality of being rapid.
Collocations
- rapid growth
- rapid change
- rapid fire
Example sentences
- "The country underwent rapid industrialization in the late 19th century." Economic growth.
- "The patient showed a rapid improvement after the new treatment was administered." Medical context.
Memory hook
Think of 'Rapids' in a river—the water is moving so fast it's 'seizing' the rocks. Rapid = Rate of change.
When not to use
Don't use it to describe a person's physical grace; 'swift' or 'fleet' is better for that.
Fun facts
- In music, 'rapid' passages are often called 'presto'.
Related words
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