rapidly - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
rapidly Word Meanings
- quickly or at a high speed
- happening or changing very quickly
- in a rapid manner when describing progress or growth
rapidly Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
rapidly Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈræpɪdli/
US
/ˈræpɪdli/
rapidly Word Etymology
(a) Root decomposition: rapid + -ly. (b) Historical origin: from Latin rapidus meaning swift, via Old French rapide, into English rapid; the adverb suffix -ly comes from Old English -līc. (c) Memory image: picture a hare sprinting on a track, the word rapid stretching into rapidly as it flies past.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I set my shoulders, push off the chair, and move toward the door. The room seems to shift around as I speed up, my hands getting ready to act. I adjust my breathing, keep the rhythm, and let my steps accelerate with practice. The moment finishes in a rush, and my mind tightens, choosing speed over hesitation.
Real Context
Rapidly is an adverb that means quickly or at a high speed. It describes actions, changes, or progress that happen fast, or things that evolve with speed. You can use it before a verb, such as The car sped rapidly down the road, or before an adjective or participle, as in Prices are rising rapidly or The situation developed rapidly. The etymology is rapid + ly, with the suffix -ly coming from Old English -līc. Compared with quickly, rapidly often emphasizes the speed of a process rather than the effort involved. In formal writing it is common, but in casual speech faster synonyms are more natural. Picture a hare racing on a track to imagine the sense of speed.
Usage Reminders
- Use rapidly to describe the speed of a process, not a person’s effort. Place it before the verb or before an adjective. It often sounds formal in everyday speech. Don’t overuse; pair with strong verbs for impact. Common collocations include rapidly increasing, rapidly changing, rapidly growing.
Common Misconceptions
- Rapidly only means fast in general, not in processes
- It can replace quickly in all contexts
- It should describe a person's speed or effort
- It cannot modify adjectives or participles
- It is always formal and never used in everyday speech
Thinking Differences
Learners often confuse rapidly with quickly; English prefers rapidly for processes and fast growth, while quickly can imply short bursts of speed. Learners may overuse rapidly with verbs of motion where fast would sound more natural.
Learning Tips
- Compare rapidly with quickly to see nuance
- Use with strong verbs to show impact
- Avoid overusing in casual speech
- Pair with adjectives like increasing or changing
- Practice with both gradual and abrupt changes
- Remember the etymology for memory cue
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'rapidly'?
A.Loudly
B.Slowly
C.Quickly
D.Softly
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'rapidly' used correctly?
A.The music played softly in the background.
B.He walked slowly to the store.
C.She ate rapidly and felt sick afterward.
D.The car drove loudly through the neighborhood.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'rapidly'?
A.Swiftly
B.Calmly
C.Casually
D.Gradually
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'rapidly'?
A.Quietly
B.Frequently
C.Slowly
D.Indifferently
Step 5: Mastery
In what situation might someone do something rapidly?
A.When trying to relax
B.When taking a leisurely walk
C.When studying for an exam
D.When waiting in line
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