Rapidly: meaning, definitions and examples

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rapidly

 

[ ˈræp.ɪd.li ]

Adverb / Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in time

At a fast speed; quickly.

Synonyms

promptly, quickly, speedily, swiftly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rapidly

This word is appropriate when describing something happening at a great rate, particularly in scientific or technical settings.

  • The disease spread rapidly among the population.
  • Technology is rapidly advancing.
quickly

This is a more general term for something happening in a short amount of time, suitable for everyday use.

  • He finished his homework quickly.
  • They quickly agreed on the terms.
swiftly

Suitable for describing smooth and efficient actions, often in literary or descriptive writing.

  • He moved swiftly through the crowd.
  • Justice was served swiftly.
speedily

This word is less common and has an old-fashioned or formal tone, used to describe swift actions.

  • The documents were processed speedily.
  • She ran speedily to catch the bus.
promptly

This is best used when referring to actions done without any delay or right on time, often used in professional or formal contexts.

  • She responded promptly to the email.
  • The doctor saw him promptly at the scheduled time.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke rapidly, barely pausing for breath.
  • The car accelerated rapidly down the highway.
  • Time is passing rapidly, we need to hurry up.
Context #2 | Adjective

in development

Happening in a short time or at a fast pace.

Synonyms

fast, quick, speedy, swift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rapidly

Suitable for formal and scientific contexts when describing something that occurs at a high speed within a relatively short time frame.

  • The technology is advancing rapidly.
  • The patient's condition improved rapidly.
quick

Used to describe something that takes a short amount of time or someone who performs actions with speed.

  • I need a quick answer.
  • She is a quick learner.
fast

Commonly used in informal communication to describe something that moves or happens with high speed.

  • He's a fast runner.
  • The car drove fast down the highway.
swift

More poetic or literary, often used to convey smoothness and grace in motion or action.

  • The swift flight of the bird was mesmerizing.
  • Justice was swift and fair.
speedy

Suitable for informal contexts and often used to describe service, actions, or changes done quickly and efficiently.

  • We received a speedy reply.
  • The repairs were done in a speedy manner.

Examples of usage

  • The company has seen a rapidly increasing number of customers.
  • The population of the city is growing rapidly.
  • Technological advancements are taking place rapidly.

Translations

Translations of the word "rapidly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rapidamente

🇮🇳 तेजी से

🇩🇪 schnell

🇮🇩 cepat

🇺🇦 швидко

🇵🇱 szybko

🇯🇵 速く (はやく)

🇫🇷 rapidement

🇪🇸 rápidamente

🇹🇷 hızlıca

🇰🇷 빠르게

🇸🇦 بسرعة

🇨🇿 rychle

🇸🇰 rýchlo

🇨🇳 迅速地 (xùnsù de)

🇸🇮 hitro

🇮🇸 hratt

🇰🇿 жылдам

🇬🇪 სწრაფად

🇦🇿 sürətlə

🇲🇽 rápidamente

Etymology

The word 'rapidly' originates from the Latin word 'rapidus', meaning swift or quick. Over time, it has evolved to represent speed and quickness in various contexts. The adverb 'rapidly' is commonly used in everyday language to describe actions or processes that occur swiftly or without delay.

See also: rapidity, rapids.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,496, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.