French · Adjectives

rapide

fast

Beginneradjective

Definition

Moving or able to move at high speed.

Example

Le TGV est un train rapide.

The TGV is a fast train.

Etymology

'Rapide' comes from the Latin 'rapidus', meaning 'seize or take by force'. The adjective has evolved to describe speed in various contexts.

How & Where It’s Used

'Rapide' is used in both formal and informal contexts to describe speed, commonly in spoken and written forms across different registers.

Literary Heritage

Frequently appears in literature, including works where speed is a central theme, such as in poetry about nature and movement.

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speeddescriptor