Infrequently: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The prefix 'in-' means 'not,' combined with 'frequent,' which comes from Latin meaning 'to visit often.'
• Originally, 'infrequent' appeared in English around the late 14th century, forming from the same roots as 'frequent.'
• Related words include 'frequency' which measures how often something occurs.

Psychology

• People may perceive infrequent events as more impactful or significant because they are less common.
• In psychology, the 'availability heuristic' shows that infrequent but dramatic events can overshadow daily experiences in our memory.
• Infrequent rewards in learning settings can lead to greater motivation, as surprises trigger interest.

Cultural Insights

• Infrequent traditions, like rare festivals, often hold significant cultural value, creating memorable community experiences.
• Infrequent communication in relationships can lead to stronger bonds, as each encounter might be more cherished.
• Certain languages have specific terms for infrequent events, showing cultural differences in how often activities are acknowledged.

Popularity Trends

• Social media usage can fluctuate based on patterns, with some trends being infrequent, such as certain hashtags that rise and fall.
• Infrequent product releases, like limited-edition sneakers, can create hype and increased desirability.
• Infrequent appearances of celebrities can lead to a spike in public interest and media coverage.

Science

• In ecology, infrequent events like rare species sightings can indicate changes in the ecosystem's health.
• Astrophysics considers infrequent cosmic events, like supernovae, which help scientists understand the life cycle of stars.
• Infrequent data collection in research can impact the results and lead to misleading conclusions.

Ranked #10,696, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

• ...
• 10693 vortex
• 10694 supervising
• 10695 sprayed
• 10696 infrequently
• 10697 rite
• 10698 precarious
• 10699 groupings
• ...