How to pronounce rapid
Say it like RAP-ud. Rapid has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rapid. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RAP
- ud
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rapid pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RAPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- udKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of rapid
American and British speakers say rapid in essentially the same way: /ˈræpəd/ in the US and /ˈræpɪd/ in the UK.
British respelling: RAP-id.
What does rapid mean?
- done or occurring in a brief period of time“a rapid rise through the ranks”
- characterized by speed; moving with or capable of moving with high speed“a rapid movement”“a speedy car”
- a part of a river where the current is very fast
Where does rapid come from?
Borrowed from Middle French rapide and its etymon Latin rapidus.
Questions about saying rapid
How do you pronounce rapid?
Say RAP-ud. The American pronunciation is /ˈræpəd/. In British English it is /ˈræpɪd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rapid?
Rapid has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAP). Broken into parts: RAP · ud.
Do Americans and Brits say rapid the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈræpəd/ and the British form is /ˈræpɪd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.