# rapidly

/ˈɹæpədɫi/ (US) · /ɹˈæpɪdli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rapidly
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

very fast or in a short amount of time. You use this to describe how something changes or moves quickly.

For teachers: at a great speed; very quickly. Often used to describe the rate of change, growth, or movement in a formal or objective context.

## Examples

- The city is growing rapidly.
- Technology is changing so rapidly that it is hard for many people to keep up with new devices.
- The company's stock price rose rapidly following the announcement of a breakthrough in renewable energy storage, catching many market analysts by surprise.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The rapidly growth of the city" but "The rapid growth of the city" — Learners often use the adverb 'rapidly' to modify a noun instead of the adjective 'rapid'.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed after the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.

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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.