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.
But there was an undeniable disconnect between the skepticism and anti-commercialism of Squid Game’s worldview and the rapidity with which the series became merch. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 June 2025 But five straight losses, many in familiarly painful fashion, to the Braves have underlined the rapidity of the Mets’ fall while serving as a reminder of the multi-layered history that may be in the process of repeating itself. Jerry Beach, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Essentially, stablecoins integrate the U.S. dollar within the blockchain — merging the reliability and stability of fiat with the rapidity, transparency, and programmability associated with crypto. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Trump has hit multiple records for his first 100 days in office, but the rapidity of his actions also highlights the fragility of relying on presidential action to cement core policies. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 29 Apr. 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 16 Jul. 2025.

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