B1adverb 2K

Rarely

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈreəli/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈrerli/"]/

Meaning of Rarely

not very often

Rarely in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Rarely

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.

Related words

Collocations with Rarely

• rarely seen
• rarely happens
• rarely visit

Synonyms for Rarely

• infrequently
• seldom
• occasionally

Opposites of Rarely

• frequently
• often
• regularly

Common mistakes with Rarely

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Rarely

What does Rarely mean?

not very often

How do you use Rarely in a sentence?

I rarely go to the movies anymore since I prefer watching at home.

Can you give another example of Rarely?

She rarely makes a mistake on her exams because she studies hard.

What are synonyms for Rarely?

Common alternatives include infrequently, seldom, occasionally.

What is the opposite of Rarely?

Opposite meanings include frequently, often, regularly.

What words go with Rarely?

It commonly pairs with rarely seen, rarely happens, rarely visit.

What are common mistakes when using Rarely?

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.

How do you pronounce Rarely?

US: /["/ˈrerli/"]/, UK: /["/ˈreəli/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Rarely?

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.

What CEFR level is Rarely?

"Rarely" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.