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.
However, the rapidity and scale of the decline suggested a more pervasive threat. Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 The remarkable thing about this progression is its extreme rapidity. James Somers, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024 The first picture illustrates the rapidity with which overall spending increases as people age. Peter Ubel, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 The rapidity with which her end nears is approached with big feelings, but also lots of belly laughs through a score packed with wit and wisdom. David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near rapidity

Cite this Entry

“Rapidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapidity. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on rapidity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!