Rapid
/ˈræpɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsHappening or moving very quickly.
/ˈræpɪd/
Happening or done very quickly
The rapid pace of the game kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're watching a video in fast forward. When something's rapid, it's like that – super quick! Like when you eat your ice cream really fast on a hot day, that's rapid consumption!
👶 For kids: Happening really, really fast!
More Examples
He made a rapid decision after considering the facts for only a few minutes.
The company experienced rapid expansion over a few years.
How It's Used
"The rapid growth of the company was impressive."
"The rapid chemical reaction produced heat."
A part of a river where the current moves very quickly, often over rocks.
/ˈræpɪd/
A part of a river where the water moves very fast over rocks
The raft struggled to make it through the rapids.
💡 Simply: Think of a river where the water gets all bubbly and goes super fast because of rocks underneath. Those fast-moving parts are called rapids. It's like a water roller coaster!
👶 For kids: A part of a river where the water goes super fast and bumpy!
More Examples
White water rafting is a thrilling activity that involves navigating rapids.
The boat successfully navigated the rapids.
How It's Used
"The kayakers navigated the rapids of the river with skill."
"They enjoyed the thrill of the rapids on their rafting trip."
Idioms & expressions
rapid-fire
A fast and continuous stream of things, typically questions or comments.
"The journalist asked a rapid-fire series of questions during the press conference."
at a rapid pace
Happening or progressing very quickly.
"The project is moving forward at a rapid pace."
From Latin *rapidus* ('seizing, snatching, swift'), derived from *rapere* ('to seize').
The word 'rapid' has been used since the 17th century to describe swiftness or speed.
Memory tip
Think of a race car; it's rapid!
Word Origin
"swift, seizing"