What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
infrequent
Example
I have infrequent contact with my old classmates. [infrequent: adjective]
Example
The company has infrequent meetings to discuss new projects. [infrequent: adjective]
rare
Example
The diamond is rare and valuable. [rare: adjective]
Example
It's rare to see snow in this part of the country. [rare: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Infrequent is more commonly used than rare in everyday language. Infrequent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rare is less common and often used in specific contexts related to objects or substances.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between infrequent and rare?
Both infrequent and rare are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional contexts. However, rare may be perceived as more formal due to its association with specialized fields such as science or art.