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.
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
Context
Highlights uncommonness or scarcity of items or qualities
Highlights infrequency of actions or events
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
Rare vs. Seldom Definitions
◉Rare
Not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness.
He collected rare books from the 18th century.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023
◉Rare
Infrequently occurring; uncommon
a rare event.
a plant that is rare in this region.
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
◉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
(cooking) Particularly of meat, especially beefsteak: cooked very lightly, so the meat is still red.
well done
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
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 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
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Muneeza RehmanAt 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.
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