What does "rapid" mean?

1. (very quick) happening very quickly or moving at high speed. 2. (river feature) a part of a river where the water moves very fast and becomes rough as it flows over rocks.

How do you use "rapid"?

Often used in professional or academic contexts to describe change, growth, or progress. Almost always used in the plural form when referring to the section of the river.

rapid

adj. · n.

US //ˈɹæpəd// UK //ɹˈæpɪd// rapid

1 very quick (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

happening very quickly or moving at high speed.

characterised by great speed or occurring within a short period of time.

Example

The city has seen rapid growth in the number of new businesses this year.

Example

The patient showed a rapid recovery following the surgery, surprising the medical team with her regained strength within forty-eight hours.

Usage

Often used in professional or academic contexts to describe change, growth, or progress.
- slow
- gradual
2 river feature (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a part of a river where the water moves very fast and becomes rough as it flows over rocks.

a section of a river where the gradient increases enough to cause turbulence and increased velocity, typically over a rocky bed.

Example

The kayakers had to be careful as they approached the dangerous rapids.

Example

Navigating the Class IV rapids required immense technical skill and precise coordination between the members of the rafting crew.

Usage

Almost always used in the plural form when referring to the section of the river.
- whitewater
- current

Origin

Borrowed from Middle French rapide and its etymon Latin rapidus.

Word family

Adjectiverapid
Adverbrapidly