not occurring very often, uncommon or unusual, of meat, cooked very lightly so that the inside is still red

few and far between, once in a blue moon, a needle in a haystack

rare bird, rare breed, rare gem

Formal and Informal Expressions of rare

In different contexts, you can replace 'rare' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'uncommon, exceptional' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'weird, odd' is a commonplace synonym.

rare: Explore its Definition & Usage

rare Definition

1not occurring very often
2uncommon or unusual
3of 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

Antonyms for rare

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.