VocabDictionary

seldom

/ˈsɛl.dəm/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adverb

Not often; rarely; on infrequent occasions.

Example Sentences:
  • We seldom go out to eat during the busy work week.
  • He is a man of few words who seldom speaks unless spoken to.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “seldom”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'seldan', which traces back to the Proto-Germanic '*seldaz' (rare, strange). It is related to the Old High German 'seltan'. The word originally carried a sense of something being 'strange' or 'uncommon' before evolving into its current meaning of low frequency.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'seldom' as 'sell-them'—if you seldom sell them, you don't have many left.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “seldom

1. What is the meaning of “seldom” in English?

In English, seldom (adverb) is defined as: “Not often; rarely; on infrequent occasions.”.

2. How do you use “seldom” in a sentence?

We seldom go out to eat during the busy work week.

3. What are English synonyms of “seldom”?

Common synonyms include:rarely,infrequently,hardly ever,scarcely

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “seldom”?

Derived from the Old English 'seldan', which traces back to the Proto-Germanic '*seldaz' (rare, strange). It is related to the Old High German 'seltan'. The word originally carried a sense of something being 'strange' or 'uncommon' before evolving into its current meaning of low frequency.