Seldom
“Not often; on only a few occasions; infrequently.”
Synonyms by Register & Formality
Antonyms & Opposites
Nuance Analysis & Word Contrasts
While 'seldom' and 'rarely' are frequently used interchangeably, 'seldom' typically emphasizes a low frequency of occurrence in regular behavior or routine, whereas 'rarely' can suggest unusualness or uniqueness in the event itself. 'Seldom' occupies a standard register suitable for both formal and conversational English, though it leans slightly toward written or deliberate speech compared to the more casual 'hardly ever'.
seldom vs rarely
'Rarely' emphasizes the unusual or extraordinary nature of an occurrence, whereas 'seldom' simply denotes a low frequency over time without implying uniqueness.
seldom vs hardly ever
'Seldom' is a standard single-word adverb with a neutral register, while 'hardly ever' is a more colloquial multi-word phrase used primarily in spoken, everyday contexts.