Definitions
- Describing something that happens or occurs only occasionally. - Talking about an event or activity that happens at irregular intervals. - Referring to something that is not common or usual.
- Describing something that almost never happens or occurs. - Talking about an event or activity that happens very seldom. - Referring to something that is extremely uncommon or unusual.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe events or activities that happen with low frequency.
- 2Both words convey a sense of scarcity or uncommonness.
- 3Both words are used to describe things that are not common or usual.
What is the difference?
- 1Frequency: Infrequently suggests something that happens occasionally, while rarely implies something that almost never happens.
- 2Degree: Rarely conveys a stronger sense of uncommonness than infrequently.
- 3Usage: Infrequently can be used in a wider range of contexts than rarely, which is more specific and often used to describe unique or exceptional situations.
- 4Formality: Infrequently is more formal than rarely, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
- 5Connotation: Infrequently is neutral in tone, while rarely can have a negative connotation, implying that something is undesirable or unwanted.
Remember this!
Infrequently and rarely both describe events or activities that happen with low frequency. However, infrequently suggests something that happens occasionally, while rarely implies something that almost never happens. Additionally, infrequently is more formal and neutral in tone, while rarely is more commonly used in everyday language and can have a negative connotation.
