rápida

Rápida is the feminine singular form of the Spanish adjective rápido, meaning fast or rapid. It agrees with feminine singular nouns, as in una carrera rápida or una respuesta rápida. Its masculine counterpart is rápido, and the plural forms are rápidos (masculine) and rápidas (feminine). The adverbial form is rápidamente, used to describe how an action is performed (corre rápidamente). The related noun for speed is rapidez.

Origin and usage: The word derives from Latin rapidus, through Old Spanish into modern Spanish. Rápida is used across Spanish-speaking regions to describe speed in physical motion, time, and processes. Examples include un tren rápido (a fast train), una bicicleta rápida, una decisión rápida, and una respuesta rápida. In technical or descriptive contexts, it can form part of compound expressions such as cambios rápidos, soluciones rápidas, or fases rápidas, always aligning with the gender of the noun it modifies.

Nuances and synonyms: Rápida often conveys not only velocity but also promptness or efficiency. In some contexts, it can imply both speed and effectiveness. Common synonyms include veloz, pronto, and acelerado, though each carries subtle differences in tone and emphasis. The antonym is lenta, with its forms lenta(s) for feminine singular or plural contexts. Rápida is a versatile, widely used term in everyday language, journalism, and literature to express speed and immediacy.