Comparisons Wiki

Rare vs. Seldom: Difference and Comparison

Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
"Rare" denotes something uncommon or scarce, while "seldom" describes an infrequent occurrence or action.
Rare vs. Seldom

Difference Between Rare and Seldom

"Rare" and "seldom" are terms that both convey a sense of scarcity or infrequency. However, their applications and nuances differ. "Rare" is often used to describe something that is not found in abundance or is unusual. It can pertain to objects, occurrences, or qualities that are not commonly encountered. For instance, a rare coin is one that is hard to find due to its limited quantity or distinct features.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
On the other hand, "seldom" is an adverb that specifically pertains to the frequency of an action or event. When something happens seldom, it takes place on rare occasions or at long intervals. It does not typically refer to the rarity of an object but rather to the infrequency of an occurrence. For example, someone might say they seldom eat junk food, indicating they do so only occasionally.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
In terms of usage, "rare" can qualify nouns to highlight their uncommon nature. "Seldom", being an adverb, typically qualifies verbs, illustrating the infrequency of the described action. So while "rare" might depict the scarcity of tangible items or abstract qualities, "seldom" delves into the realm of actions or events and their occurrences.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
In essence, while both terms point towards scarcity, "rare" tends to be more versatile in its application, encompassing both things and occurrences, whereas "seldom" is more confined to describing the frequency of actions or events.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Rare vs. Seldom Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Adjective
Adverb
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Refers to

Objects, qualities, occurrences
Frequency of actions or events
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023

Usage

Qualifies nouns
Qualifies verbs
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Example

Rare diamond, rare talent
Seldom visits, seldom seen
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Context

Highlights uncommonness or scarcity of items or qualities
Highlights infrequency of actions or events
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023

Rare vs. Seldom Definitions

Rare

Unusually good or remarkable.
She has a rare talent for music.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023

Seldom

On only a few occasions; rarely.
I've seldom seen him so angry.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Rare

Thinly dispersed or scattered.
Forests are rare in this arid region.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023

Seldom

Hardly ever.
He seldom writes letters.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023

Rare

Cooked very lightly, keeping the inside red.
He ordered his steak rare.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023

Seldom

Not often; infrequently.
She seldom goes to parties.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023

Rare

Not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness.
He collected rare books from the 18th century.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023

Seldom

Almost never.
He's seldom in a bad mood.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Rare

Not occurring often.
It's a rare opportunity to meet the artist.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023

Seldom

At rare intervals.
We seldom speak of the old times.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023

Rare

Infrequently occurring; uncommon
a rare event.
a plant that is rare in this region.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Seldom

Not often; infrequently or rarely. See Usage Note at rarely.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

Excellent; extraordinary
a rare sense of honor.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Seldom

Infrequent; rare
one of my seldom visits to the area.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

Thin in density; rarefied
rare air.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Seldom

Infrequently, rarely.
They seldom come here now.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

Cooked just a short time so as to retain juice and redness
a rare steak.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Seldom

(archaic) Rare; infrequent.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

Very uncommon; scarce.
Black pearls are very rare and therefore very valuable.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Seldom

Rarely; not often; not frequently.
Wisdom and youth are seldom joined in one.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

(of a gas) Thin; of low density.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Seldom

Rare; infrequent.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

Good; enjoyable.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Seldom

not often;
we rarely met
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

(cooking) Particularly of meat, especially beefsteak: cooked very lightly, so the meat is still red.
well done
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

(obsolete) Early.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

(gaming) A scarce or uncommon item.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

To rear, rise up, start backwards.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

To rear, bring up, raise.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

Early.
Rude mechanicals that rare and lateWork in the market place.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

Nearly raw; partially cooked; not thoroughly cooked; underdone; as, rare beef or mutton.
New-laid eggs, which Baucis' busy careTurned by a gentle fire, and roasted rare.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

Not frequent; seldom met with or occurring; unusual; as, a rare event.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

Of an uncommon nature; unusually excellent; valuable to a degree seldom found.
Rare work, all filled with terror and delight.
Above the rest I judge one beauty rare.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

Thinly scattered; dispersed.
Those rare and solitary, these in flocks.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

Characterized by wide separation of parts; of loose texture; not thick or dense; thin; as, a rare atmosphere at high elevations.
Water is nineteen times lighter, and by consequence nineteen times rarer, than gold.
A perfect union of wit and judgment is one of the rarest things in the world.
When any particular piece of money grew very scarce, it was often recoined by a succeeding emperor.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness;
a rare word
rare books
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

recurring only at long intervals;
a rare appearance
total eclipses are rare events
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

not widely distributed;
rare herbs
rare patches of gree in the desert
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

marked by an uncommon quality; especially superlative or extreme of its kind;
what is so rare as a day in June
a rare skill
an uncommon sense of humor
she was kind to an uncommon degree
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

having low density;
rare gasses
lightheaded from the rarefied mountain air
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare

(of meat) cooked a short time; still red inside;
rare roast beef
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rare vs. Seldom Frequently Asked Questions

Are rare and seldom interchangeable?

No, "rare" typically refers to objects or qualities, while "seldom" refers to frequency of actions or events.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Is "rarely" a synonym for "seldom"?

Yes, both "rarely" and "seldom" can be used to indicate infrequency.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Is it correct to say "seldom occurrence"?

While understood, it's more fitting to say "rare occurrence."
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023

Can I say "seldom diamond"?

No, it's more appropriate to say "rare diamond" to describe its scarcity.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023

Does "rare" only pertain to positive situations?

No, "rare" can be neutral or negative, as in "a rare disease."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Can both words be used in positive contexts?

Yes, both can describe positive situations, like "a rare talent" or "seldom making mistakes."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Which word is more frequently used?

Both are common, but "rare" might be slightly more versatile due to its broader range of applications.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Do they have opposite terms?

Yes, "common" can be an opposite for "rare", and "often" for "seldom."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Can I use "rare" to describe frequency?

While it's understood, "seldom" or "rarely" would be more appropriate for frequency.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023

In cooking terms, what does "rare" mean?

In cooking, especially regarding meat, "rare" means it's lightly cooked, retaining a red inside.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Content Creators

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Muneeza Rehman
At Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma Batool
As a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.

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