ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rarely

adv.
US //ˈɹɛɹɫi// UK //ɹˈeəli// rarely
  1. 1 not often (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    not often; almost never.

    occurring at a low frequency or on very few occasions.

    Example

    We rarely go out for dinner because we both enjoy cooking at home.

    Example

    In this part of the country, it rarely snows enough to cause any significant disruption to the morning commute.

    Usage

    Typically placed before the main verb but after the verb 'to be'.
    Pitfall
    I 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.

  2. 2 exceptionally (adv.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Archaic

    to a very high degree; unusually well.

    to an exceptional or unusual degree; used to emphasize a quality.

    Example

    The garden was rarely beautiful in the soft light of the morning.

    Example

    She possessed a rarely gifted voice that captured the attention of every critic in the opera house that evening.

    Usage

    Often used to modify adjectives describing beauty or talent.
Origin

From rare + -ly.

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