Rapidly
/ˈræpɪdli/
Definitions
Happening or moving at a fast rate.
/ˈræpɪdli/
At a fast rate or speed
The fire spread rapidly through the dry forest.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're on a roller coaster! When things happen quickly, like the ride zooming around the track, we can say they're happening rapidly. Think of a recipe - you're rapidly mixing the ingredients, to quickly make a cake!
👶 For kids: When something happens really, really fast, like when you eat ice cream quickly, that's rapidly.
More Examples
He learned the new software rapidly.
The population of the city increased rapidly in recent years.
How It's Used
"The company's profits grew rapidly last year."
"The chemical reaction proceeded rapidly."
"The stock prices fluctuated rapidly."
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."
rapid transit
A public transportation system with high capacity and speed.
"Major cities often invest in rapid transit systems."
From Middle French *rapidement*, from Latin *rapidus* ("swift, quick") + *-ly* (adverbial suffix).
The word has been used since the 17th century, initially in scientific and philosophical contexts to describe quick changes or processes.