ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rarity

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɹɛɹəti// UK //ɹˈeəɹətˌi// rar·i·ty Chemistry
Definition

n. something that is very unusual or does not happen often. It can also mean the quality of being hard to find.

n. the quality of being infrequent or scarce; a person or thing that is particularly uncommon.


SIMPLE

Snow in this part of the country is a real rarity.

CONTEXTUAL

Genuine first editions of this novel are a rarity and often sell for thousands of dollars at auction.

COMPLEX

The scientist noted that while the mineral is common in volcanic regions, its presence in sedimentary rock is a geological rarity that warrants further investigation.

Origin

From rare + -ity, borrowed from Middle French rarité, from Latin rāritās; compare French rareté. See also rare.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the abstract quality of being scarce; countable when referring to a specific rare object or event.

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