ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rapids

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɹæpədz// UK //ɹˈæpɪdz// rapids

n. a part of a river where the water flows very fast and becomes rough because the ground drops or there are rocks in the way.

n. a section of a river where the gradient increases sufficiently to cause turbulent water and high velocity. Usually occurs where the riverbed is rocky or narrow.


SIMPLE

The boat moved quickly through the white rapids.

CONTEXTUAL

The guide warned us to wear life jackets before we reached the dangerous rapids downstream.

COMPLEX

Navigating the churning rapids requires both physical strength and a keen understanding of how water flows around submerged obstacles.

Synonyms
Usage

Usually used in the plural form ('the rapids') to describe a specific stretch of a river.

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