# rapid

/ˈɹæpəd/ (US) · /ɹˈæpɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rapid
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. very quick

adjective · CEFR B2

happening very quickly or moving at high speed.

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

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

### 2. river feature

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

## Examples

- The city is seeing rapid growth this year.
- The patient made a rapid recovery after the doctors adjusted his medication.
- Economists are concerned that the rapid expansion of the housing market may lead to an eventual correction if interest rates continue to rise.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.