rapidity

noun

ra·​pid·​i·​ty rə-ˈpi-də-tē How to pronounce rapidity (audio)
ra-
: 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.
This is a very much different thing than COVID in terms of rap -- rapidity and speed and other things. Abc News, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025 Given the relative rapidity of the deals, more will be in the offing. John Hopewell, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025 Each user prompt on Ocean includes a live speed test indicator, giving a transparent view of our system’s rapidity. Tor Constantino, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Those opportunities would be valuable at any pace, but combined with the rapidity of these solo rollouts, the BLACKPINK members have worked toward a type of ubiquity that has no doubt shaken some unfamiliar listeners awake. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 6 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rapidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapidity. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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