rare

[reər]

rare Definition

• 1. not occurring very often
• 2. uncommon or unusual
• 3. of meat, cooked very lightly so that the inside is still red

Using rare: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rare" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  It's rare to find such a beautiful place.

• Example

  The disease is very rare and affects only a few people.

• Example

  I like my steak rare.

• Example

  This book is a rare find.

rare Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for rare

• uncommon
• scarce
• infrequent
• unusual
• exceptional

Antonyms for rare

• common
• frequent
• ordinary
• usual

Idioms Using rare

• few and far between

  rare, infrequent, or uncommon

  Example

  Opportunities like this are few and far between.

• once in a blue moon

  very rarely, almost never

  Example

  I only see my old college friends once in a blue moon.

• a needle in a haystack

  something that is very difficult or impossible to find

  Example

  Trying to find a parking spot in this city is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Phrases with rare

• rare bird

  an unusual or exceptional person

  Example

  He's a rare bird, always coming up with new ideas.

• rare breed

  a type of animal that is not common or popular

  Example

  The farm specializes in raising rare breeds of sheep.

• rare gem

  a precious or exceptional thing or person

  Example

  She's a rare gem, always willing to help others.

Origins of rare

from Latin 'rarus', meaning 'thinly sown'

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Summary: rare in Brief

The term 'rare' [reər] refers to things that are not common or frequent. It can describe anything from a beautiful place to a disease that affects only a few people. 'Rare' also describes meat that is cooked very lightly so that the inside is still red. Phrases like 'rare bird' and 'rare gem' denote exceptional people or things, while idioms like 'once in a blue moon' and 'a needle in a haystack' emphasize rarity.