VocabDictionary

rare

/rɛər/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Occurring, found, or done infrequently; uncommon.

Example Sentences:
  • It is a rare treat to see such a beautiful sunset in this part of the city.
  • The museum houses a collection of rare artifacts from the ancient world.
2.adjective

(of meat) cooked for a short time so that the inside is still red.

Example Sentences:
  • He prefers his steak cooked rare, with a cool, red center.
  • The chef asked if the customer wanted the beef served rare or medium.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

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

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'rarus', meaning 'thin, loose, or infrequent'. It entered Middle English via Old French, originally describing things that were sparse or not dense, before evolving to describe things that occur infrequently or are highly prized due to their scarcity.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'rare' steak: it is barely cooked, so it is 'rarely' on the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions About “rare

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

In English, rare (adjective) is defined as: “Occurring, found, or done infrequently; uncommon.”.

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

It is a rare treat to see such a beautiful sunset in this part of the city.

3. What are English synonyms of “rare”?

Common synonyms include:scarce,infrequent,uncommon,exceptional,sparse

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

Derived from the Latin 'rarus', meaning 'thin, loose, or infrequent'. It entered Middle English via Old French, originally describing things that were sparse or not dense, before evolving to describe things that occur infrequently or are highly prized due to their scarcity.