B2adverb 1K

Rapidly

UK /["/ˈræpɪdli/"]/ US /["/ˈræpɪdli/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

very quickly; at a great rate

Listen to definition

In simple words: quickly or fast

Examples

• to **increase/spread/expand rapidly**
• to **change/develop/evolve rapidly**
• a **rapidly growing** economy
• Crime figures are **rising rapidly**.
• It rapidly became apparent that there were insufficient officers to maintain control.
• The technology is rapidly changing.

Usage notes

Use 'rapidly' in contexts where something is happening very quickly. It's more formal than 'quickly' and might not be suitable for casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of a 'rapid' race car zooming by at high speed.

Collocations

• grow rapidly
• change rapidly
• develop rapidly
• increase rapidly

Synonyms

• quickly
• swiftly
• hastily
• promptly
• briskly

Antonyms

• slowly

Common mistakes

• Using 'rapidly' as an adjective instead of an adverb
• Confusing 'rapidly' with 'quickly' in formal writing contexts
• Overusing 'rapidly' in informal conversations where simpler words are better