Rare vs. Seldom: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed & Hifza Nasir || Updated on March 5, 2024
Rare refers to infrequency based on inherent qualities, suggesting something is uncommon; seldom is an adverb describing how often an event occurs, indicating rarity in time.
Key Differences
Rare is used to describe something that is not commonly found or is unusual in nature, such as a rare species or a rare artifact, highlighting its scarcity and sometimes value. Seldom, on the other hand, refers specifically to the infrequency of an occurrence or action, suggesting that it happens not often or hardly ever.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Rare focuses on the characteristic of being uncommon or extraordinary, like a rare celestial event. Seldom applies to the frequency of events or actions, like a seldom-seen comet, emphasizing the time aspect rather than the inherent quality.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
In terms of usage, rare is often applied to objects, conditions, or qualities, indicating something exceptional or out of the ordinary. Seldom is used to modify verbs, explaining the rareness of an action or occurrence in terms of temporal frequency.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Rare has a qualitative aspect, implying uniqueness or exceptionality, such as a rare talent or a rare opportunity. Seldom does not convey quality but strictly refers to the low frequency of occurrences, such as seldom visiting a place or seldom engaging in an activity.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
The distinction also lies in their grammatical roles; rare is an adjective that describes nouns, whereas seldom is an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, reflecting their different applications in language.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Describes uniqueness or scarcity of nouns
Describes infrequency of actions or occurrences
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Connotation
Can imply value or exceptionality
Strictly implies rarity in time, no inherent value
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
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Rare and Seldom Definitions
Rare
Exceptionally good or remarkable.
The museum displayed a rare artifact from ancient Egypt.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Seldom
Rarely occurring or done.
He seldom eats out, preferring homemade meals.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Rare
Of great value due to scarcity.
The rare book was auctioned for a high price.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Seldom
Used to indicate a lack of frequency.
Seldom have I heard such a moving speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Rare
Not frequently encountered.
A rare blood type can make transfusions challenging.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
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Seldom
Indicating rarity in time or occurrence.
Such opportunities come seldom in life.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Rare
Seldom occurring or found.
The rare appearance of the comet excited astronomers.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Rare
Uncommon in occurrence.
Finding a rare stamp in that collection surprised everyone.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Rare
Infrequently occurring; uncommon
A rare event.
A plant that is rare in this region.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do 'rare' and 'seldom' have synonyms?
Yes, 'rare' has synonyms like uncommon, unusual, while 'seldom' includes infrequently, rarely.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Is 'rare' only used for physical objects?
No, 'rare' can describe physical objects, conditions, or qualities.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Can 'seldom' modify nouns?
No, 'seldom' is an adverb and primarily modifies verbs, not nouns.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
How does 'rare' convey value?
Rare items or occurrences are often valued higher due to their scarcity.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Can a person be described as 'rare'?
Yes, a person can be described as 'rare' in terms of unique qualities or talents.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Is 'seldom' always related to time?
Yes, 'seldom' specifically relates to the frequency of time an event occurs.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
How do 'rare' and 'seldom' differ in emotional impact?
'Rare' can evoke a sense of wonder or value, while 'seldom' neutrally conveys infrequency.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Can something be both rare and seldom?
Yes, an event can be both rare (uncommon) and seldom (occurring infrequently).
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Is 'seldom' a negative term?
Not inherently; it merely describes infrequency without a positive or negative judgment.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Can businesses use 'rare' as a marketing term?
Yes, businesses often use 'rare' to highlight the uniqueness or scarcity of their products.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Is 'seldom' considered formal language?
While somewhat formal, 'seldom' is still commonly used in both written and spoken English.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Can 'rare' imply a one-time occurrence?
Rare implies scarcity but not necessarily a one-time occurrence; it can happen more than once though infrequently.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Can 'rare' describe events?
Yes, 'rare' can describe events that are uncommon or exceptional.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
How does context affect the use of 'rare' and 'seldom'?
Context determines their application; 'rare' focuses on the quality of nouns, while 'seldom' on the frequency of actions or events.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Does 'seldom' apply to good and bad occurrences?
Yes, 'seldom' can apply to both positive and negative occurrences without bias.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Co-written by
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
