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rare

adj. · v.
US //ˈɹɛɹ// UK //ɹˈeə// rare
  1. 1 uncommon (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    not happening often or not found in many places.

    occurring or found very infrequently; characterized by scarcity or uniqueness.

    Example

    It is very rare to see snow in this part of the country during October.

    Example

    The museum recently acquired a rare first edition of the manuscript, one of only three known copies to have survived the fire.
  2. 2 cooking meat (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

    meat that has been cooked for a short time and is still red inside.

    referring to meat, particularly beef, cooked briefly so that the interior remains red and moist.

    Example

    I would like my steak rare, please, with a side of roasted vegetables.

    Example

    The chef recommends serving this specific cut of Wagyu rare to preserve the delicate texture and fat distribution of the meat.
    • underdone
    • well done
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  1. 3 thin or low density (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    used to describe air that is thin and has less oxygen, usually high up.

    having low density or being thin in consistency; most frequently applied to the atmosphere at high altitudes.

    Example

    The air is so rare at the top of the mountain that it is hard to breathe.

    Example

    Climbers often require supplemental oxygen when ascending into the rare atmosphere of the 'death zone' above eight thousand metres.
  2. 4 excellent (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Slang

    really good or enjoyable.

    denoting high quality or excellence; used as a positive intensifier in specific regional dialects.

    Example

    We had a rare time at the party last night.

    Example

    The local supporters were in rare form after the match, celebrating their team's unexpected victory well into the night.
  3. 5 to be eager (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to be very excited and ready to start doing something.

    to be full of enthusiasm or eagerness to begin an activity; almost exclusively used in the present participle 'raring'.

    Example

    After a long holiday, the staff were raring to go on the new project.

    Example

    Despite the early hour, the young athletes appeared raring to go, bouncing on their toes as they waited for the starting whistle.

    Usage

    Almost always appears in the phrase 'raring to go'.
Idioms1 entry

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