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Rarely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rarely

[หˆrerli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

used in a sentence

Not often; seldom

Synonyms

hardly ever, infrequently, seldom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rarely

Used to describe something that happens on very few occasions. It's neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

  • He rarely goes out on weekends
  • You rarely see such dedication
seldom

Suggests not often happening and can be used in both formal and informal situations. It is slightly old-fashioned but elegant.

  • Seldom do we see such passion in any sport
  • He seldom visits his hometown
infrequently

Used in more formal or written contexts to imply that something does not happen often. It is neutral and more precise.

  • The committee meets infrequently
  • The buses run infrequently on Sundays
hardly ever

Indicates something that almost never happens. It can be used in casual conversations and often carries a slightly stronger meaning than 'rarely'.

  • She hardly ever eats junk food
  • I hardly ever watch TV

Examples of usage

  • She rarely goes to the gym.
  • He rarely drinks alcohol.
  • They rarely have time for vacations.
Context #2 | Adverb

formal usage

In a way that is not often or frequently

Synonyms

infrequently, scarcely, seldom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rarely

Used when something happens very few times or almost never. Suitable for both formal and informal situations.

  • He rarely goes to the gym.
  • This species is rarely seen in the wild.
infrequently

Used in more formal contexts to indicate that something does not happen often.

  • Meetings are held infrequently in this department.
  • The trains run infrequently on weekends.
seldom

Appropriate for both formal and informal settings, it emphasizes that something happens on very rare occasions.

  • He seldom visits his hometown.
  • We seldom get snow in this region.
scarcely

Used to imply that something happens almost never or is unlikely to happen. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

  • She scarcely believes the rumors.
  • There is scarcely any food left in the pantry.

Examples of usage

  • The team rarely loses a game.
  • The artist rarely disappoints her fans.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Language Usage

  • Often used in various contexts, 'rarely' can convey a sense of surprise, such as 'I rarely go to the park on Sundays.'
  • In formal writing, 'rarely' can add a degree of sophistication and nuance to the description of events.
  • It's common in negative constructions: 'I rarely eat dessert' means almost never.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, rare events like solar eclipses or comets are celebrated due to their infrequency.
  • Food items labeled as 'rare' often imply unique, high-quality ingredients not easily found, elevating their value.
  • In storytelling, moments that occur rarely can be significant turning points, heightening emotional impact.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies suggest that humans value rare items or experiences more than those that are common, a phenomenon known as 'scarcity principle.'
  • Rare events can trigger excitement and anticipation, contrasting with everyday occurrences that may be overlooked.
  • Fear of missing out (FOMO) can stem from the idea that rare opportunities must be seized, adding a layer of anxiety to decision-making.

Mathematics

  • In statistics, a 'rare event' might be an occurrence that has a very low probability of happening, often less than 5% in many analyses.
  • Rare events are foundational in risk assessment, where understanding their impact can help mitigate potential issues.
  • Mathematicians might study 'rare events' in fields like probability theory to understand patterns or deviations.

Origin of 'rarely'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Rarely' comes from the word 'rare,' which has roots in the Latin word 'rara,' meaning 'few' or 'scattered.'
  • In English, 'rarely' has been used since the late 14th century, indicating the scarcity of something.
  • The word 'rare' itself originally referred to something being uncommon or few in number.

The word 'rarely' originated from the Middle English 'rarely', which meant 'seldom'. It is derived from the Old French 'rarement', from 'rare', meaning 'infrequent'. The word has been used in English since the 15th century.

See also: rare, rareness, rarity.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,623, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.