rare

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈrer 

rarer; rarest

1

: seldom occurring or found : uncommon

2

a

: marked by unusual quality, merit, or appeal : distinctive

b

: superlative or extreme of its kind

3

: marked by wide separation of component particles : thin

rare air

rareness noun

rare

2 of 2

adjective (2)

rarer; rarest

: cooked so that the inside is still red

rare roast beef

Synonyms

Adjective (1)

• aberrant
• aberrated
• abnormal
• anomalous
• atypical
• especial
• exceeding
• exceptional
• extraordinaire
• extraordinary
• freak
• odd
• peculiar
• phenomenal
• preternatural
• singular
• uncommon
• uncustomary
• unique
• unusual
• unwonted

Choose the Right Synonym for rare

choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste.

choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

infrequent, uncommon, scarce, rare, sporadic mean not common or abundant.

infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

Examples of rare in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty

rare specialty wools, such as cashmere, prized for their fineness, lightness and exceptional warmth

the French pronunciation of the family's name is rare, except in Louisiana

"Such good manners are rare these days," remarked Mrs. Denby, as the young man let her go ahead of him in line

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Highlights included 47 one-of-a-kind pieces at Only Watch, rare watches from Michael Schumacher’s personal collection at Christie’s, and some extraordinary timepieces from Italian collector Guido Mondani at Phillips, to name a few. —Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 15 May 2024

There’s also a rare deal on the highly coveted Ninja Creami Deluxe Ice Cream Maker, which more than 10,000 shoppers bought ahead of summer. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 15 May 2024

On May 12, NOAA issued a rare severe-to-extreme warning for the unfolding event, though even at its peak, from May 10 to 12, there were no reports of power or satellite disruption. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 15 May 2024

And when biodiversity declines because of human activity, rare species tend to be the first to go, Rohr says. —Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 15 May 2024

Foreclosures, the really troublesome home loan indicator – are a rarity Going broke Perhaps the worst cases of skipping bills – bankruptcy filings – also have been rare so far in this economic cycle. —Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 15 May 2024

In rare cases, however, people can become seriously ill or even die from a Salmonella infection. —Julia Landwehr, Health, 15 May 2024

Finding the same last name inscribed in several tombs is rare, the institute said. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 15 May 2024

In rare instances, university officials and protest leaders struck agreements to restrict the disruption to campus life and upcoming commencement ceremonies. —CBS News, 2 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Middle English, from Latin rarus

Adjective (2)

alteration of earlier rere, from Middle English, from Old English hrēre boiled lightly; akin to Old English hrēran to stir, Old High German hruoren

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective (2)

1784, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rare

• rare bird
• rare breed
• rare earth
• rare earth element
• ultra-rare

Kids Definition

rare

1 of 2 adjective

ˈra(ə)r 

ˈre(ə)r

rarer; rarest

1

: not thick or dense : thin

the atmosphere is rare at high altitudes

2

: very fine : excellent, splendid

a rare June day

3

: very uncommon

rain is rare in the desert

a collection of rare books

rareness noun

rare

2 of 2 adjective

rarer; rarest

: cooked so that the inside is still red

rare roast beef

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English rare "thin," from Latin rarus "rare"

Adjective

Old English hrēre "boiled lightly"