Seldom Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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seldom
[ˈsɛldəm ]
Definitions
use in a sentence
not often; rarely
Synonyms
hardly ever, infrequently, rarely.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| seldom |
Used to describe things that happen infrequently but occasionally, often used in a formal or literary context.
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| rarely |
Used to describe something that does not happen often, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| infrequently |
Used to describe something that happens rarely and sporadically, usually in a formal context.
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| hardly ever |
Used to emphasize how rare an event or action is, often in a conversational or informal context.
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Examples of usage
- He seldom goes to the movies.
- She seldom eats fast food.
- Seldom have I seen such a beautiful sunset.
use in a sentence
not common; rare
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| seldom |
Used to describe something that does not happen often.
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| rare |
Often refers to something that is infrequent or valuable due to its infrequency.
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| uncommon |
Refers to something that is unusual or not regularly encountered.
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| scarce |
Implies a shortage or insufficient supply of something, often used in economic contexts.
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Examples of usage
- This is a seldom opportunity.
- Seldom species of birds are found in this area.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Usage in Literature
- Shakespeare frequently used the term to convey rarity in human experiences and emotions in his plays.
- Literary works often use 'seldom' to emphasize exceptional occurrences or feelings, enhancing dramatic impact.
Cultural Context
- Many cultures have proverbs highlighting the rarity of certain events, often using 'seldom' as a key descriptor.
- In some traditions, 'seldom' is connected to auspicious events, like rare natural phenomena symbolizing good luck.
Psychological Insight
- 'Seldom' experiences can create stronger emotional memories due to their rarity, according to studies on memory retention.
- Psychologically, people tend to place greater significance on events that are described as 'seldom' due to their uniqueness.
Pop Culture References
- In popular music, lyrics sometimes focus on 'seldom' moments, capturing feelings of nostalgia or longing.
- Movies and books often depict 'seldom' situations to illustrate character growth or pivotal plot developments.
Origin of 'seldom'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from Old English 'seldene', meaning 'rarely', which has influences from the word 'seld', meaning 'seldom' or 'rare'.
- The term was originally formed with the prefix 'sel-', an old variation indicating rarity, combined with 'dom', indicating the state of being.
The word 'seldom' originated from the Middle English word 'seldan', which in turn came from the Old English 'seldan' meaning 'infrequently'. It has been used in the English language since the 13th century. Over time, its usage has remained consistent in expressing the idea of rarity or infrequency.