rarely
- 01 B1 Intermediate
not often; almost never.
occurring at a low frequency or on very few occasions.
Simple“We rarely go out for dinner because we both enjoy cooking at home.”
In context“In this part of the country, it rarely snows enough to cause any significant disruption to the morning commute.”
UsageTypically placed before the main verb but after the verb 'to be'.
PitfallI rarely don't go to the gym. I rarely go to the gym.Rarely already has a negative meaning. Do not use another negative word like 'not' or 'don't' with it.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
to a very high degree; unusually well.
to an exceptional or unusual degree; used to emphasize a quality.
Simple“The garden was rarely beautiful in the soft light of the morning.”
In context“She possessed a rarely gifted voice that captured the attention of every critic in the opera house that evening.”
UsageOften used to modify adjectives describing beauty or talent.
Synonyms
Usage rarely seen · rarely occur
From rare + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.