rapidity

noun

ra·​pid·​i·​ty rə-ˈpi-də-tē How to pronounce rapidity (audio)
ra-
Synonyms of rapiditynext
: the quality or state of being rapid

Examples of rapidity in a Sentence

the rapidity with which she can do mental math calculations is amazing
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still others warned of the rapidity with which democracy could give way to dictatorship. Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025 The film captures the rapidity of time, with flashes of beauty and brutality whipping by in turn. Anastasia Sanger, Glamour, 22 Dec. 2025 The first is the rapidity of innovation. Ravi Kumar S, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025 The rapidity of the decision is key: if the cell relies on more traditional signaling pathways that activate genes in response to an infection, an agile virus could take control of the cell’s protein-making machinery before the cell has a chance to respond. Viviane Callier, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rapidity

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Latin; French rapidité, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin rapiditāt-, rapiditās, from rapidus "flowing violently, rapid entry 1" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapidity was in 1654

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Cite this Entry

“Rapidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapidity. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.

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