How to pronounce rapidly
Say it like RAP-ud-lee. Rapidly has three 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 rapidly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RAP
- ud
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rapidly 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.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of rapidly
American and British speakers say rapidly in essentially the same way: /ˈræpədli/ in the US and /ˈræpɪdli/ in the UK.
British respelling: RAP-id-lee.
What does rapidly mean?
- with speed“he works quickly”“John got ready in short order”
Where does rapidly come from?
From rapid + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying rapidly
How do you pronounce rapidly?
Say RAP-ud-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈræpədli/. In British English it is /ˈræpɪdli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rapidly?
Rapidly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAP). Broken into parts: RAP · ud · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say rapidly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈræpədli/ and the British form is /ˈræpɪdli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.