Learn how to use the comparative “rarer” and superlative “rarest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “rare”?

The comparative form of “rare” is “rarer”.

Example

The blue diamond is rarer than the white diamond.

Example

Finding a four-leaf clover is rarer than finding a regular clover.

What is the superlative form of “rare”?

The superlative form of “rare” is “rarest”.

Example

The black pearl is known for being the rarest type of pearl.

Example

Spotting a shooting star is considered one of the rarest celestial events.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with rare, rarer, and rarest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more rare' and 'most rare' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, rarer and rarest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Rare does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Rare → Rarer Superlative: Rare → Rarest

Expressions with similar meanings to “rarer”

scarcer

Used to describe something that is harder to find or obtain

Example

In this region, clean drinking water is scarcer than in other areas.

less common

A more general way of expressing something that is not frequently found

Example

The red panda is less common than the giant panda.

more unusual

Used to indicate something that is not commonly seen or experienced

Example

Her taste in music is more unusual than most people's.

Expressions with similar meanings to “rarest”

most scarce

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of rarity

Example

The most scarce resource in this area is fresh water.

least common

A more general way of expressing the lowest level of frequency or occurrence

Example

Among all the bird species, the kiwi is the least common.

most unusual

Used to describe the highest level of rarity or uniqueness

Example

The most unusual feature of this painting is the use of neon colors.

Using than with comparative “rarer”

When using the comparative form rarer to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The blue diamond is rarer than the white diamond." Here, than is used to show that the rarity of the blue diamond is greater than the rarity of the white diamond.

How can I use this expression in context?

“rarer” and “rarest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Gemstones

  The pink diamond is considered rarer than the yellow diamond.

  The pink diamond is considered rarer than the yellow diamond.

• 2. Species

  The endangered snow leopard is one of the rarest big cats.

  The endangered snow leopard is one of the rarest big cats.

• 3. Phenomena

  Witnessing a total solar eclipse is a rare event, but seeing it from your own backyard is even rarer.

  Witnessing a total solar eclipse is a rare event, but seeing it from your own backyard is even rarer.

• 4. Collectibles

  The vintage stamp is one of the rarest in the world.

  The vintage stamp is one of the rarest in the world.

• 5. Occurrences

  Experiencing a meteor shower is a rare occurrence, but witnessing a meteorite impact is even rarer.

  Experiencing a meteor shower is a rare occurrence, but witnessing a meteorite impact is even rarer.

Related idioms and phrases

Once in a blue moon

Describing something that happens very rarely or almost never.

Example

I only see my favorite singer perform once in a blue moon.

Diamond in the rough

Referring to someone or something that has great potential but is not yet polished or fully developed.

Example

He may seem unrefined now, but he's a diamond in the rough.

Out of the ordinary

Describing something that is unusual or uncommon.

Example

Their wedding ceremony was out of the ordinary and unlike any I've ever attended.