Rare - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT rare /rɛər/ /rɛə/ IPA guide

Other forms: rarest; rarer

If an event is rare, it doesn't happen often. If an object is rare, there aren't many of its kind. Obviously, finding a rare gem is a rare occasion.

Rare comes from the Latin word rarus, meaning “widely spaced,” as rare things are — whether in actual space or in time. You thought it was rare to meet someone you have so much in common with, until he fainted looking at the rare steak you ordered. The rare that describes prepared meat actually has a separate origin: it comes from the long-gone word rear, meaning “half-cooked.”

Definitions of rare

adjective marked by an uncommon quality; especially superlative or extreme of its kind “"what is so rare as a day in June"-J.R.Lowell” “a rare skill” synonyms: uncommon extraordinary beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
adjective not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness “a rare word” “rare books” synonyms: uncommon not common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind
adjective not widely distributed “rare herbs” “rare patches of green in the desert” synonyms: scarce deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand
adjective recurring only at long intervals “a rare appearance” “total eclipses are rare events” synonyms: infrequent not frequent; not occurring regularly or at short intervals
adjective having low density “rare gasses” synonyms: rarefied, rarified thin relatively thin in consistency or low in density; not viscous
adjective (of meat) cooked a short time; still red inside “rare roast beef” synonyms: raw not treated with heat to prepare it for eating

Pronunciation US /rɛər/ UK /rɛə/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘rare'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing rare

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

A thorough survey of various textbooks, assignments, content area standards, and examinations yields the following list of words compiled by Jim Burke. You cannot expect to succeed on assignments if you do not understand the directions.

"The Witch Boy" by Molly Knox Ostertag

Aster is forbidden from learning magic because he is a boy, but when a sinister creature threatens his world, performing magic may be the only way he can save his family and friends. Learn these words from the bewitching graphic novel by Molly Knox Ostertag.

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