Rapidly: meaning, definitions and examples

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rapidly

[ˈræp.ɪd.li ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in time

At a fast speed; quickly.

Synonyms

promptly, quickly, speedily, swiftly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'rapid' comes from the Latin 'rapidus', meaning 'seizing' or 'carrying away', capturing the idea of quickness.
In the early 15th century, 'rapid' was primarily used to describe running water, showing how speed can be fluid.
The suffix 'ly' turns adjectives into adverbs, so 'rapid' becomes 'rapidly', indicating the manner in which something occurs.

Science

In physics, the term describes motion, where higher speed means a shorter time to travel a specific distance.
Rapid temperature changes can influence weather patterns, leading to sudden storms or shifts in climate.
In biology, certain processes like nerve conduction and heartbeats can happen rapidly, crucial for survival and responses.

Technology

Rapid advancements in technology mean that new devices and software are released quickly, influencing our daily lives.
In the field of software development, rapid application development focuses on quickly producing functional prototypes.
The internet allows for rapid communication, enabling information to be shared instantly across the globe.

Psychology

People can experience rapid changes in mood or perception in response to stimuli or life events, affecting mental health.
The concept of rapid cognition suggests we can make judgments quickly, often within seconds, showcasing our brain's efficiency.
In stress situations, the body's fight-or-flight response occurs rapidly, preparing us for instinctive actions.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'the rapid rise of social media' highlights how quickly platforms like TikTok and Instagram gained popularity.
In movies, 'rapid-fire dialogue' can create a sense of urgency and excitement, drawing viewers deeper into the story.
Musical genres like fast-paced punk rock or electronic create a 'rapid' rhythm that energizes listeners.

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

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.

...
1493 valuable
1494 inch
1495 window
1496 rapidly
1497 spread
1498 traffic
1499 waste
...