Definitions and Examples of few, scarce, rare
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
A small number or amount of something.
Example
There were few people at the party, so it was quite intimate.
Insufficient or inadequate in amount or supply; not plentiful.
Example
During the drought, water became scarce and people had to ration their usage.
Not occurring very often; uncommon.
Example
The blue moon is a rare phenomenon that happens once in a blue moon.
Key Differences: few vs scarce vs rare
- 1Few refers to a small number or amount of something.
- 2Scarce implies that something is insufficient or inadequate in amount or supply.
- 3Rare means that something is not occurring very often or is uncommon.
Effective Usage of few, scarce, rare
- 1Quantify: Use few to describe a small number of items or people.
- 2Describe Scarcity: Use scarce to describe a shortage of resources or supplies.
- 3Highlight Uniqueness: Use rare to describe something that is uncommon or unusual.
Remember this!
The antonyms of numerous have distinct meanings. Few refers to a small number, scarce implies a shortage of resources, and rare describes something that is uncommon. Use these words to quantify, describe scarcity, or highlight uniqueness.