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.
Amazing, how the political parties can evolve — and with such rapidity. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 3 Feb. 2025 The difference in Rostow’s own day, however, was the rapidity with which other countries were doing the same thing. Charles King, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2023 Photos, news, tips on where to evacuate, hotel discount codes and pet policies were being posted with increasing rapidity as the fires spread. Finn-Olaf Jones, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 Whereafter, with jaw-dropping rapidity, Predonzani and his work sank into oblivion. Dino Buzzati, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 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 24 Feb. 2025.

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