What does rapidly mean?
Rapidly means at a fast speed or within a very short time. It is the adverb derived from the adjective rapid and is used in many contexts: a person may move rapidly, a machine may operate rapidly, or a process may develop rapidly. The word is neutral and widely used, appearing in everyday conversation as well as in journalism, business, science, and formal prose. Although it often suggests speed, it can also emphasize how quickly conditions, trends, or circumstances change. For example, a rapidly growing company is experiencing expansion at a fast rate, while rapidly changing weather indicates frequent or swift alterations. The related noun rapidity is less common and has a more formal or technical character. Together, rapid and rapidly are useful for describing both the quality of something and the manner or pace of an action.
adverbAt a fast speed; quickly or in a short time. It can also describe something happening with swift and striking intensity.
- At a fast speed; quickly or in a short time.
"The wildfire spread rapidly across the dry hillside."
"Temperatures rose rapidly after sunrise."
"The company is rapidly expanding its operations in Europe."
Rapidly can describe not only movement, but the startling speed of change: markets fluctuate rapidly, and ecosystems can disappear rapidly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of rapidly
Rapidly was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to rapid. The adjective rapid comes from Latin rapidus, meaning swift or moving quickly, and the English form has been in use since the early 17th century. The modern adverb became established alongside the adjective and follows the same core meaning of moving or happening with great speed.
Related word forms
How rapidly is actually used
Rapidly is the standard adverb form of rapid. It is neutral in register and is common in formal writing, journalism, science, and everyday speech. It may describe physical movement, the passage of time, or the rapid development of a situation.
Easily confused with rapidly
Rapid is an adjective that describes something occurring quickly, while rapidly is the adverb describing the manner or rate of an action.