rarely/seldom if ever

phrase

used as a more forceful way to say "rarely" or "seldom"
I have seldom if ever been so embarrassed.

Note: Rarely if ever and seldom if ever can be written both with or without commas

Such radical opinions have rarely, if ever, been heard here before.
She rarely if ever sings anymore.

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Cite this Entry

“Rarely/seldom if ever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rarely%2Fseldom%20if%20ever. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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