B1adverb2K

Rarely

UK /["/ˈreəli/"]/US /["/ˈrerli/"]/

Definition

not very often

Examples

  • I rarely go to the movies anymore since I prefer watching at home.
  • She rarely makes a mistake on her exams because she studies hard.
  • He rarely eats out, opting instead for home-cooked meals.
  • Rarely do we see such talent in young athletes.
  • Despite his hard work, he rarely gets the recognition he deserves.

Usage notes

Used in both spoken and written English. It’s appropriate for discussing habits or occurrences that happen infrequently. Avoid using in very formal contexts where a synonym like 'infrequently' might be more suitable.

Grammar pattern

rarely + verb

Memory hint

Sounds like 'rare-lee' — think of a rare gem that you see only once in a blue moon.

Collocations

  • rarely seen
  • rarely happens
  • rarely visit

Synonyms

  • infrequently
  • seldom
  • occasionally

Antonyms

  • frequently
  • often
  • regularly

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'rare' — 'rarely' describes frequency, while 'rare' describes how uncommon something is.
  • Using 'rarely' in affirmative sentences instead of negative ones — remember it implies infrequency.
  • Incorrectly placing 'rarely' at the end of a sentence where it should be before the main verb.