Pronunciation: [ɹˈapɪd] (IPA) 
The word "rapid" is spelled with the letters R-A-P-I-D, and is pronounced /ˈræpɪd/. The first sound is a voiced alveolar tap /r/, followed by a short vowel /æ/. The third sound, /p/, is an unvoiced bilabial stop, followed by a long vowel /i:/ and a voiced alveolar plosive /d/. Overall, the word has a quick and sharp sound, which reflects its meaning of something happening or moving quickly.
Rapid is an adjective that describes something moving or occurring at a high speed, pace, or rate. It implies a quick or swift manner in which an action or process takes place, often with minimal delay or interruption.
When describing the movement of objects or individuals, rapid suggests velocity or acceleration characterized by its breathless expeditiousness. For instance, a rapid race car is capable of reaching high speeds in a short period, displaying remarkable swiftness and agility. Similarly, a runner who moves at a rapid pace can cover great distances quickly.
In terms of time, rapid denotes a minimal duration between events or actions. It implies efficiency or promptness, implying a reduced amount of waiting or significant progress. For example, in the context of technological advancements, rapid development refers to the accelerated pace at which new ideas, innovations, or discoveries are made. It highlights quick progress and adaptation.
Rapid can also describe an intense, immediate, or sudden change in circumstances or conditions. For instance, a rapid shift in weather patterns signifies a sudden alteration from one weather condition to another, often involving abrupt temperature changes or extreme meteorological phenomena such as storms or gusts.
In summary, rapid characterizes something that occurs swiftly, quickly, or at a high speed. It emphasizes a lack of delay or interruption, whether it is in terms of movement, time, progress, or change.
Characterised by quickness of motion or of utterance; quick; swift; expeditious.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "rapid" originated from the Latin word "rapidus", which means swift or quick. This Latin term is derived from the verb "rapere", meaning to seize or snatch. The concept of speed and swiftness associated with the word "rapid" has remained consistent throughout its etymology, ultimately referring to something happening or moving quickly.
