What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rapid
Example
The rapid growth of technology has changed the way we live. [rapid: adjective]
Example
The train made a rapid stop at the station. [rapid: adverb]
speedy
Example
We need to find a speedy solution to this problem. [speedy: adjective]
Example
The athlete ran a speedy race and won first place. [speedy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Speedy is more commonly used than rapid in everyday language, but both words are still used frequently.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rapid and speedy?
Rapid is generally considered more formal than speedy, so it may be more appropriate to use rapid in formal writing or speech.