ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rarest

adj.
A2 Elementary US //ˈɹɛɹəst// UK //ɹˈeəɹəst// rarest

adj. describes something that is the most difficult to find because very few of them exist. It is the superlative form of 'rare'.

adj. the superlative form of 'rare'; describes the least common or most infrequent item within a set. Often used to describe physical objects, biological species, or occurrences with the lowest statistical probability.


SIMPLE

This is the rarest diamond in the world.

CONTEXTUAL

Collectors spent decades searching for the rarest stamp in the series to complete their set.

COMPLEX

The conservation team focused their efforts on the rarest subspecies of orchid, which was found in only one remote valley in the Andes.

Synonyms
Usage

Superlative form; typically preceded by the definite article 'the'.

Pitfall

the most rarestthe rarestSince 'rare' is a one-syllable adjective, it takes the '-est' ending; using 'most' as well is a double superlative error.

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