Rare: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆ„
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rare

 

[ reษ™r ]

Adjective / Adverb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

uncommon occurrence

Not occurring very often or not found in large numbers. Something that is not commonly seen or experienced.

Synonyms

infrequent, scarce, uncommon, unusual

Examples of usage

  • It is a rare opportunity to see a comet in the night sky.
  • Finding a four-leaf clover is a rare occurrence.
  • She has a rare talent for playing the piano.
Context #2 | Adjective

valuable or high quality

Of exceptionally high quality or worth. Something that is highly prized or sought after.

Synonyms

exceptional, precious, unique, valuable

Examples of usage

  • The painting is a rare masterpiece.
  • He possesses a rare collection of vintage cars.
  • Her rare skills make her a valuable asset to the team.
Context #3 | Adverb

infrequently or seldom

Not very often; seldom. Happening or appearing less often than is usual or expected.

Synonyms

hardly ever, infrequently, scarcely, seldom

Examples of usage

  • She rarely goes to the gym.
  • He visits his hometown only rarely.

Translations

Translations of the word "rare" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น raro

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฆเฅเคฐเฅเคฒเคญ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช selten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ langka

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ั–ะดะบั–ัะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ rzadki

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ใ—ใ„ (mezurashii)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rare

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ raro

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท nadir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋“œ๋ฌธ (deumun)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ุงุฏุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vzรกcnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vzรกcny

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็จ€ๆœ‰็š„ (xฤซ yว’u de)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ redka

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sjaldgรฆfur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะธั€ะตะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ˜แƒจแƒ•แƒ˜แƒแƒ—แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nadir

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ raro

Word origin

The word 'rare' originated from the Latin word 'rarus', which means 'widely spaced' or 'thinly distributed'. Over time, it evolved to refer to something uncommon or of high value. The concept of rarity has always been associated with uniqueness and scarcity, making rare objects or events highly desirable.

See also: rarely, rareness, rarity.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,043, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.