rapids
Rapids are parts of a river where the water flows very fast over rocks. They look white and bubbly and can be dangerous for boats.
Examples
3 of 5The water in the rapids moves very fast.
The water in the rapids moves very fast.
The researchers observed the rapids to measure water speed.
The researchers observed the rapids to measure water speed.
Check out those huge rapids over there!
Check out those huge rapids over there!
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Rapids are RAPID (fast) waters. Picture a boat racing over fast, white water.
Quick Quiz
We went rafting down the dangerous ____ in the mountains.
Correct!
The correct answer is: rapids
Examples
The water in the rapids moves very fast.
everydayThe water in the rapids moves very fast.
The researchers observed the rapids to measure water speed.
formalThe researchers observed the rapids to measure water speed.
Check out those huge rapids over there!
informalCheck out those huge rapids over there!
Sediment transport is significantly higher within river rapids.
academicSediment transport is significantly higher within river rapids.
The travel agency sells tickets for rafting down the rapids.
businessThe travel agency sells tickets for rafting down the rapids.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
shoot the rapids
to go down rapids in a boat
white-water rapids
fast river water that looks white
class 5 rapids
very difficult and dangerous river sections
Often Confused With
'Rapid' is usually an adjective meaning fast, while 'rapids' is a plural noun for the river feature.
Usage Notes
The word is almost always used in the plural form ('rapids') when referring to the section of the river.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to add the 's' and say 'the river has a big rapid' instead of 'the river has big rapids'.
Memory Tip
Rapids are RAPID (fast) waters. Picture a boat racing over fast, white water.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin word 'rapidus', meaning 'tearing away' or 'fierce and hurried'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Rapids are a major part of outdoor adventure culture in countries like the USA, Canada, and New Zealand.
Quick Quiz
We went rafting down the dangerous ____ in the mountains.
Correct!
The correct answer is: rapids
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