What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rare
Example
It's rare to see snow in this part of the country. [rare: adjective]
Example
I ordered a steak cooked rare. [rare: adverb]
Example
The museum has a rare collection of ancient artifacts. [rare: adjective]
exceptional
Example
She showed exceptional leadership skills during the crisis. [exceptional: adjective]
Example
The school only admits exceptional students who have excelled academically. [exceptional: adjective]
Example
The team made an exceptional effort to win the championship. [exceptional: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rare is more commonly used than exceptional in everyday language. Rare is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while exceptional is less common and typically used in more formal or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rare and exceptional?
Exceptional is typically associated with a more formal or specialized tone, while rare is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
