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

What is the comparative form of “rarer”?

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

Example

Diamonds are rarer than gold.

Example

Finding a four-leaf clover is rarer than winning the lottery.

What is the superlative form of “rarer”?

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

Example

The blue diamond is considered one of the rarest gemstones.

Example

Witnessing a total solar eclipse is one of the rarest astronomical 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”

more uncommon

Used to describe something that is less common or less frequently found

Example

Spotting a shooting star is more uncommon than seeing a rainbow.

less frequent

Used to indicate something that happens or occurs less often

Example

Snowfall in this region is less frequent compared to other areas.

less prevalent

Used to describe something that is less widespread or less commonly seen

Example

In some cultures, the use of smartphones is less prevalent than in others.

Expressions with similar meanings to “rarest”

most uncommon

Similar to rarest, this emphasizes something that is extremely uncommon or rarely found

Example

Encountering a mythical creature is one of the most uncommon experiences.

least frequent

Used to describe something that happens or occurs with the lowest frequency

Example

The appearance of a comet is one of the least frequent celestial events.

least prevalent

Used to describe something that is the least widespread or least commonly seen

Example

Among all the bird species, the kiwi is one of the least prevalent.

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: "Diamonds are rarer than gold." Here, than is used to show that the rarity of diamonds is greater than the rarity of gold.

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 rarer than the blue diamond.

  The pink diamond is rarer than the blue diamond.

• 2. Natural Phenomena

  Seeing a double rainbow is considered rare, but witnessing a triple rainbow is even rarer.

  Seeing a double rainbow is considered rare, but witnessing a triple rainbow is even rarer.

• 3. Species

  The white tiger is one of the rarest animals in the world.

  The white tiger is one of the rarest animals in the world.

• 4. Collectibles

  The limited edition stamp is rarer than the regular ones.

  The limited edition stamp is rarer than the regular ones.

• 5. Events

  Experiencing a meteor shower is one of the rarest celestial events.

  Experiencing a meteor shower is one of the rarest celestial events.

Related idioms and phrases

A needle in a haystack

Something that is extremely difficult or nearly impossible to find.

Example

Finding a specific book in that messy library is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Once in a blue moon

Something that happens very rarely or only once in a long time.

Example

We only see each other once in a blue moon since we live in different countries.

Like finding a unicorn

Describing something that is extremely rare or almost impossible to find.

Example

Finding true love can sometimes feel like finding a unicorn.