rarerare /reə $ rer/ ●●● S3 W2 adjective (comparative rarer, superlative rarest) 
This species of plant is becoming increasingly rare. I only saw Helen on the rare occasions when I went into her shop.it is rare (for somebody/something) to do something It is rare to find such an interesting group of people. It is very rare for her to miss a day at school.► see thesaurus at unusual2meat that is rare has only been cooked for a short time and is still red: I like my steak rare.3[only before noun] British English old-fashioned very good or surprising: We had a rare old time at the party.THESAURUSrare not existing in large numbers or in large amounts: · The law prevents the export of rare birds.· The plates are quite rare. Only about a hundred were made.scarce not available in large enough numbers or amounts at a particular time – used especially about things people need: · After the war, food and clothing were scarce.· People are having to compete for scarce resources.not common [not before noun] fairly rare: · Silver coins of this period are not common, and could be very valuable.infrequent formal not happening often: · As time went on, her visits became more and more infrequent.be few and far between to not be common – especially much less common than you might expect: · Luckily, accidents such as these are few and far between.· Bargains are, unfortunately, few and far between.be (something of) a rarity if something or someone is a rarity, it is surprising to find one, because very few exist: · Women are still something of a rarity in senior management positions.be like hen’s teeth informal to be extremely rare: · Good Greek restaurants are like hen’s teeth around here.
WORD ORIGINrare
Origin:
1,3 1400-1500 Latin rarus2 1600-1700 rear ‘lightly cooked’ (15-19 centuries), from Old English hrerEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A new law to prevent the export of rare birds is to be introduced.
- He had that rare gift of being able to impart enthusiasm to others.
- Huston is a film-maker who has achieved a rare kind of beauty in his work.
- In a rare moment of vanity, Carl removed his glasses.
- In Cholon's narrow streets, Europeans were far rarer than on the boulevards of Saigon.
- It is very rare for anyone to actually die from bee stings in this country.
- On the rare occasions when we had to work hard, we enjoyed it.
- Shannon suffers from a rare form of cancer.
- She bore her illness with rare courage.
- Snow is a rare sight here, except on the mountains.
- The palace library contains some of the rarest books in Europe.
- They're pretty rare. Only about a hundred were made.
- Tim collects rare stamps.
- Black seeds are the most pungent, the most rare, and the most difficult to harvest.
- It is a state of exaltation of the individual, a great and rare gift of a great and rare invigorating dream.
- Like Sylvia Plath s Edge, it is a rare example of the writer recording the act she is about to perform.
- Second, he has the rare quality of inner toughness and great compassion.
- The Duchess of Beaufort is also mentioned as having additional rare sorts in her garden at Badminton.
- Their individuality has always made them rare, and now, perhaps, they are thinning out even more.
- This may well be one of those rare occasions when light aircraft pilots have the opportunity to shape something that affects them.
- With Stephen, for example, there were only rare moments when she would come face to face with his desperate position.
THESAURUS
not existing in large numbers or in large amounts: · The law prevents the export of rare birds.· The plates are quite rare. Only about a hundred were made.
not available in large enough numbers or amounts at a particular time – used especially about things people need: · After the war, food and clothing were scarce.· People are having to compete for scarce resources.
[not before noun] fairly rare: · Silver coins of this period are not common, and could be very valuable.
formal not happening often: · As time went on, her visits became more and more infrequent.
to not be common – especially much less common than you might expect: · Luckily, accidents such as these are few and far between.· Bargains are, unfortunately, few and far between.
if something or someone is a rarity, it is surprising to find one, because very few exist: · Women are still something of a rarity in senior management positions.
informal to be extremely rare: · Good Greek restaurants are like hen’s teeth around here.
Longman Language Activatornot common and existing only in small numbers an animal, plant, object etc that is rare does not exist in large numbers or in large amounts: · A new law to prevent the export of rare birds is to be introduced.· They're pretty rare. Only about a hundred were made.· The palace library contains some of the rarest books in Europe.· In Cholon's narrow streets, Europeans were far rarer than on the boulevards of Saigon.
something that is scarce , especially something that people need such as food, clothing, or water, is not available in large enough numbers or amounts at the moment: · After the war, food and clothing were scarce.· With the increase in trade, good timber for shipbuilding was becoming scarcer.scarce resources: · Government departments often found themselves competing for scarce resources.
fairly rare, especially in one particular area or group: · Silver coins of this period are not common, and could be very valuable.· Although tigers still exist, they're not very common.
British if you say that people or things of a particular type are thin on the ground , you mean that there are very few available and they are hard to find when you need them: · Our only problem is finding staff, because good programmers are really thin on the ground.· Magazines about home improvement were very thin on the ground at the time - not like now.
to not be as common as you expect or as you would like: · The schools are crowded, and good teachers are few and far between.· Toys were few and far between, but the children invented games and played together.
if something or someone is a rarity , it is surprising to find one, because very few exist: · The traditional costume is becoming a rarity, even in remote villages.be something of a rarity (=be fairly rare): · Women are still something of a rarity in senior management positions.
informal use this to say that something is rare, especially something that has been made such as a machine, car, or piece of furniture: · He drives an original Volkswagen, and there aren't many of those around these days.
not happening often something that is rare does not happen often: · Snow is a rare sight here, except on the mountains.· On the rare occasions when we had to work hard, we enjoyed it.· In a rare moment of vanity, Carl removed his glasses.it is rare for somebody/something to do something: · It is very rare for anyone to actually die from bee stings in this country.
fairly rare: · Crimes against elderly people are still uncommon.· Her time in hospital had given her an empathy with her patients not common among physicians.it is uncommon to do something: · When I was young it was uncommon to see a man pushing a baby buggy.
spoken if you say you don't often see something, find something etc, you mean this happens only very rarely: · You don't often find really good tropical fruit in this country.· We had over 200 replies. You don't often get such a good response from an advert.
formal not happening often: · As time went on, her visits became more and more infrequent.· Cases of typhoid are relatively infrequent in Northern Europe.· Roger's infrequent letters home did not reveal much about his personal life.
rarely/not often not at all often. Seldom is more formal than rarely and is used especially in written English: · The Queen rarely speaks to journalists.· Discipline is rarely a problem in this school.· They're a very nice young couple, although I very seldom see them.rarely does/has somebody: · Very rarely do we have a complaint from any of our customers.· Seldom have I seen such a miraculous recovery in one of my patients.rarely/seldom, if ever: · Anti-government demonstrations do occur, but they are seldom, if ever, reported in the press.
· I don't often see my grandchildren.· Sometimes, but not very often, Pippa persuaded her father to lend her his car.· Tina didn't get to work until ten o'clock this morning, which is unusual because she's not often late.it's not often (that) · Of course I'm going to take the job, it's not often that you get a chance like this.
almost never: · My grandmother hardly ever goes out of the house.· She's hardly ever ill.· We scarcely ever walk through the town without meeting someone we know.· There used to be a lot of disputes over land boundaries but nowadays such problems scarcely ever arise.
informal extremely rarely: · I used to spend a lot of time in London, but now I only go there once in a blue moon.· Once in a blue moon Eric will offer to help with the dishes, but usually he doesn't do any housework at all.
unusually good or impressive unusual beauty, talent etc is much better or more impressive than usual: · Alan's work shows unusual talent and originality.· He had an unusual ability to rise above the prejudices of his generation.
unusually good, impressive, or important: · Joe has a special gift for mathematics.· The bond between Sonya and her mother was very special.
very much better, more beautiful, or more impressive than what is usual: · He really was a most extraordinary man.· The view from up here is extraordinary.· Everything about the woman -- her hair, eyes, and jewellery -- gleamed with extraordinary brilliance.
an exceptional person or thing is so good that they are unusual compared to most other things or people of a similar type: · When it comes to natural footballing ability, Gascoigne is exceptional.· Graham Greene had exceptional talents as a story-teller.· It's one of the best examples of old English furniture I've seen -- it truly is exceptional.
someone or something that is remarkable is unusually good or skilled, so that you notice them and admire them: · The record features some remarkable guitar and piano solos.· Henry Tippett showed remarkable flair as a hotelier.· a remarkable statesman and diplomat
very special and unusual: · He had that rare gift of being able to impart enthusiasm to others.· She bore her illness with rare courage.· Huston is a film-maker who has achieved a rare kind of beauty in his work.
informal use this to describe someone or something that is unusually good, impressive, or enjoyable: · This is quite a house.· Jane told me I was almost intelligent, which from her is quite a compliment.· That was some party last night!· "She's some lady," he said, with admiration.
happening or existing extremely rarely - use this especially about the qualities someone or something has or about a chance to do something: · She has a unique ability to communicate with animals of all kinds.· This vacation offers a unique opportunity to visit some of the most remote mountain areas of the region.
WORD SETSabalone, nounacetic acid, nounadditive, nounaftertaste, nounà la carte, adjectiveal dente, adjectivealfresco, adjectiveambrosia, nounangelica, nounaniseed, nounantipasto, nounappetizer, nounarrowroot, nounbad, adjectivebaker, nounbaking powder, nounbaking soda, nounbanana split, nounbanger, nounbanquet, nounbanqueting hall, nounbarbie, nounbarley, nounbasil, nounbass, nounbatch, nounbay leaf, nounBBQ, nounbean, nounbean curd, nounbeansprout, nounbeef, nounbeefburger, nounbeefsteak, nounbeet, nounbell pepper, nounberry, nounbetel, nounbetel nut, nounbicarbonate of soda, nounbilberry, nounbill of fare, nounbinge, nounbinge, verbbistro, nounblackberry, nounblack-eyed bean, nounblack pepper, nounblack pudding, nounblend, verbblend, nounblueberry, nounboard, nounbolt, verbbone, verbbon vivant, nounbony, adjectivebox lunch, nounbramble, nounbran, nounbrandy butter, nounbrasserie, nounbrawn, nounbreakfast, nounbrisket, nounbroiler, nounbroiler chicken, nounbroth, nounbrown rice, nounbrunch, nounbubble gum, nounbuckwheat, nounbuffet, nounbun, nounbus, verbbusboy, nounbutcher, nounbutcher, verbbutchery, nounbuttercream, nounbutty, nouncafé, nouncafeteria, nouncaff, nouncaffeine, nouncake, nouncan, verbcandy, nouncanned, adjectivecapon, nouncapsicum, nouncaraway, nouncarbohydrate, nouncare package, nouncarvery, nouncassava, nouncater, verbcaterer, nouncatering, nouncatsup, nouncatwalk, nouncayenne pepper, nouncereal, nouncheese, nounchef, nouncherry tomato, nounchickpea, nounchilli, nounChinese, nounchip shop, nounchives, nounchocolate, nounchocolatey, adjectiveChristmas dinner, nounchuck steak, nouncitric acid, nouncitron, nounclotted cream, nounclub sandwich, nouncob, nouncobbler, nouncocoa, nouncocoa bean, nouncoconut milk, nouncoffee house, nouncoffee shop, nouncold cuts, nouncold storage, nouncold store, nouncommissary, nounconcentrate, nouncondensed milk, nouncondiment, nouncone, nounconfection, nounconfectioner, nounconfectioner's sugar, nounconfectionery, nounconserve, nouncontent, nouncontinental breakfast, nounconvenience food, nouncook-chill, adjectivecooker, nouncookie, nouncooking, nouncooking oil, nouncorn bread, nouncorn chip, nouncorncob, nouncorned beef, nouncornet, nouncornflakes, nouncornflour, nouncornmeal, nouncorn on the cob, nouncorn pone, nouncornstarch, nouncorn syrup, nouncottage cheese, nouncotton candy, nouncourgette, nouncourse, nouncover charge, nouncrab, nouncrab apple, nouncracker, nouncrackling, nouncranberry, nouncrayfish, nouncream, nouncream cheese, nouncream cracker, nouncreamer, nouncreamy, adjectivecress, nouncrisp, nouncrisp, adjectivecrispbread, nouncrispy, adjectivecroissant, nouncroquette, nouncrouton, nouncrumb, nouncrumpet, nouncrunchy, adjectivecrust, nouncrusty, adjectivecrystallized, adjectivecucumber, nouncud, nouncuisine, nouncupcake, nouncurd, nouncurdle, verbcurrant, nouncustard, nouncut, nouncutlet, noundainty, nounDanish pastry, noundate, noundefrost, verbdelicacy, noundemerara sugar, noundesiccated, adjectivedevilled, adjectivedevour, verbdiabetic, adjectivedigest, verbdigestible, adjectivedill, noundill pickle, noundine, verbdiner, noundining car, noundinner, noundinner dance, noundinner party, noundinner theater, noundinnertime, noundissolve, verbdoggy bag, noundoily, noundollop, noundough, noundown, verbdrain, verbdredge, verbdried, adjectivedried fruit, noundripping, noundrumstick, noundry goods, noundunk, verbEaster egg, nouneat, verbeatery, nouneating apple, nouneats, nounEccles cake, nounéclair, nounEdam, nounedible, adjectiveeel, nounegg, nouneggplant, nounegg roll, nounelevenses, nounendive, nounEnglish breakfast, nounEnglish muffin, nounentrée, nounepicure, nounescalope, nounevaporated milk, nounfast food, nounfeed, verbfeed, nounfeta cheese, nounfig, nounfilbert, nounfillet, verbfilling, adjectivefilling, nounfilo, nounflounder, nounfloury, adjectiveflyblown, adjectivefoil, nounfoodstuff, nounforage, nounfork, verbfortify, verbfreeze-dried, adjectiveFrench bean, nounFrench bread, nounFrench dressing, nounFrench fry, nounFrench loaf, nounFrench stick, nounfries, nounfromage frais, nounfrozen, adjectivefruit, nounfudge, nounfull-fat, adjectivegaram masala, noungarlic, noungarnish, noungarnish, verbgastronomic, adjectivegastronomy, noungel, verbginger, nounglass, nounglassware, noungolden raisin, noungoody, noungourmand, noungrain, nounGranary, adjectivegranulated, adjectivegreasy, adjectivegreasy spoon, noungreen, adjectivegrill, noungristle, noungrocer, nounground, adjectiveground beef, noungrub, noungruel, nounguava, noungum, noungumball, noungumbo, noungumdrop, nounhalal, adjectivehalibut, nounham, nounhamburger, nounhaunch, nounhead table, nounhealth food, nounheart, nounhearty, adjectiveheat, nounherb, nounhigh tea, nounhome economics, nounhot dish, nounhygiene, nounhygienic, adjectiveiceman, nounindigestible, adjectiveindigestion, nouninedible, adjectiveinfected, adjectiveingest, verbinn, nouninsipid, adjectiveintake, nounirradiate, verbjellied, adjectivejoint, nounjuice, nounjuicy, adjectivejunk, nounjunk food, nounknuckle, nounkosher, adjectivelaxative, nounlean, adjectiveleavings, nounleg, nounlight, adjectiveliquorice, nounlive, adjectiveloaf, nounlocker, nounloin, nounlotus, nounlukewarm, adjectivelump, nounlunch, nounlunch, verblunchbox, nounlunch break, nounluncheon, nounlunch hour, nounlunchroom, nounlunchtime, nounluscious, adjectivemace, nounMadeira cake, nounmain course, nounmaitre d', nounmaize, nounmandarin, nounmandarin orange, nounmangetout, nounmango, nounmaple syrup, nounmargarine, nounmarge, nounmarmalade, nounmarrow, nounmarshmallow, nounMason jar, nounmasticate, verbmature, adjectivemature, verbmeal, nounmealie, nounmealtime, nounmealy, adjectivemeat, nounmeat-packing, nounmeaty, adjectivemellow, adjectivementhol, nounmentholated, adjectivemenu, nounmess, nounmess, verbmess hall, nounmilk chocolate, nounmillet, nounmince, nounmint, nounmocha, nounmolasses, nounmoreish, adjectivemorsel, nounmouldy, adjectivemouth, nounmouthful, nounMSG, nounmunch, verbmung bean, nounmush, nounmushroom, nounmustard, nounnibble, verbnibble, nounnosh, nounnourish, verbnourishment, nounnugget, nounnut, nounnutcracker, nounnutshell, nounnutty, adjectiveoatmeal, nounoats, nounoffal, nounokra, nounon, prepositiononion, nounorder, nounoregano, nounorganic, adjectiveoverindulge, verboxtail, nounpackaging, nounpacker, nounpap, nounparcel, nounpaste, nounpastille, nounpastry, nounpatisserie, nounpearl barley, nounpectin, nounpeel, verbpeel, nounpepper, nounpepper, verbpeppercorn, nounpeppermint, nounperishable, adjectivepetit four, nounpiccalilli, nounpicnic, nounpicnic, verbpie, nounpilaff, nounpilau, nounpimento, nounpinto bean, nounpit, nounpizza parlor, nounpizzeria, nounplain chocolate, nounplain flour, nounploughman's lunch, nounpoor boy, nounpork, nounpork pie, nounpork rinds, nounporridge, nounporterhouse steak, nounportion, nounpostprandial, adjectivepotato, nounpotato crisp, nounpotted, adjectivepoultry, nounpraline, nounprawn, nounprepacked, adjectivepreservative, nounpreserve, verbpreserve, nounpretzel, nounprovision, verbprune, nounpuff pastry, nounpumpernickel, nounpumpkin, nounpuree, verbquince, nounQuorn, nounrabbit, nounrancid, adjectiverare, adjectiveravenous, adjectiveraw, adjectivered meat, nounreheat, verbrennet, nounrepast, nounreplete, adjectiverestaurant, nounrestaurant car, nounrestaurateur, nounrib, nounrice, nounrigatoni, nounrind, nounripe, adjectiveroadhouse, nounrock, nounroe, nounroll, nounroot vegetable, nounrose hip, nounrusk, nounrutabaga, nounsaccharin, nounsalad cream, nounsalad dressing, nounsalami, nounsalmon, nounsalsa, nounsalt, verbsalt, adjectivesalty, adjectivesandwich, nounsardine, nounsassafras, nounsatisfying, adjectivesatsuma, nounsauerkraut, nounsausage, nounscallion, nounscampi, nounscone, nounscoop, nounScotch broth, nounscratchings, nounseafood, nounseasoned, adjectiveseed, verbsemolina, nounservery, nounservice charge, nounserving, nounset, adjectiveshallot, nounshellfish, nounsherbet, nounshish kebab, nounshortbread, nounshortcake, nounshortcrust pastry, nounshoulder, nounshrimp cocktail, nounside order, nounsillabub, nounsimnel cake, nounsingle cream, nounsirloin, nounsitting, nounskimmed milk, nounskin, nounskin, verbslaw, nounslice, nounsliced bread, nounsloe, nounsloppy joe, nounsmorgasbord, nounsnack bar, nounsnow pea, nounsoda fountain, nounsodium chloride, nounsoft fruit, nounsorghum, nounsoul food, nounsour, adjectivesour, verbsourdough, nounsoya, nounsoya bean, nounspearmint, nounspinach, nounsponge, nounsponge cake, nounsponge pudding, nounspoon, verbspoonful, nounspotted dick, nounspread, nounspring onion, nounspring roll, nounsprout, nounspud, nounsquash, nounsquid, nounstaple, nounstarfruit, nounstarter, nounsteak, nounsteakhouse, nounsteak tartare, nounstew, nounstick, nounStilton, nounstir-fry, verbstodge, nounstone-ground, adjectivestrawberry, nounstring bean, nounstringy, adjectivestrudel, nounsub, nounsucrose, nounsuet, nounsugar, nounsugar, verbsugar-coated, adjectivesugar cube, nounsugar lump, nounsugary, adjectivesultana, nounsun-dried, adjectivesup, verbsupper, nounsustenance, nounswallow, verbswallow, nounswede, nounsweetcorn, nounsweetened condensed milk, nounsweetener, nounsweetmeat, nounsweet pepper, nounsweet potato, nounsyrup, nounsyrupy, adjectivetable d'hôte, nountaco, nountaffy, nountainted, adjectivetakeaway, nountakeout, nountangerine, nountapas, nountapioca, nountaramasalata, nountariff, nountart, nountartare sauce, nountaste, verbtasteless, adjectivetaster, nountasting, nountater, nountattie, nounT-bone steak, nountea, nounteacake, nountender, adjectivetin, nountinned, adjectivetitbit, nountoffee apple, nountofu, nountomato, nountongue, nountop, nountopping, nountop round, nountopside, nountop table, nountortilla, nountough, adjectivetransport cafe, nountreacle, nountrifle, nountripe, nountrotter, nountruck stop, nountruffle, nountub, nountuna, nounturkey, nounTurkish delight, nounturnip, nounturnover, nountutti frutti, nounTV dinner, nounTVP, noununadulterated, adjectiveunleavened, adjectiveunpalatable, adjectivevacuum-packed, adjectivevanilla, nounveal, nounvegan, nounvegetable, nounvegetarian, nounvegetarianism, nounveggie, nounvenison, nounvictual, verbvictuals, nounvoracious, adjectivevoucher, nounwaiter, nounwaitress, nounwalnut, noun-ware, suffixwarmed-over, adjectivewedge, nounwell, nounwell-done, adjectivewell-fed, adjectivewet fish, nounwheat, nounwhite, nounwhite flour, nounwhite pepper, nounwhite sauce, nounwholefood, nounwholemeal, adjectivewhole wheat, adjectivewiener, nounwild rice, nounwishbone, nounwrap, nounyeast extract, nounyoghurt, nounyogurt, nounyolk, nounyule log, nounyummy, adjectivezucchini, nounzwieback, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY I only saw Helen on the rare occasions when I went into her shop. We had a rare old time at the party.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Dodd was one of that rare breed (=there are not many of them) who could make the game of football look simple. Crime on the island is comparatively rare. Laughter was a rare occurrence in his classroom. Flooding in the area is a common occurrence.
I only saw Helen on the rare occasions when I went into her shop. We had a rare old time at the party. Dodd was one of that rare breed (=there are not many of them) who could make the game of football look simple.· Soap was a scarce commodity during the war.
Crime on the island is comparatively rare.· He had a rare condition which made all his hair fall out.
· She suffers from a rare bone disease.
· Acne is a very common skin disorder.
· A sighting of a white deer is a rare event.
· Books on philosophy can be quite dull, but this is a rare exception.
· A number of rare flowers grow in these woods.
(=a very special honour that is not given to many people)· Being asked to paint a portrait for the queen is a rare honour for any artist.
(=used when something does not happen often)· Only on rare occasions did she ever receive a letter.
Laughter was a rare occurrence in his classroom. Flooding in the area is a common occurrence.· a unique opportunity to stay in a real castle
· Planes have occasionally disappeared in midair, but this is a rare phenomenon.
· Many rare plants were collected from India and China.
· The area contains many rare species of plants.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· Here is a black middle-class man speaking: Professional blacks are treated as rare specimens by most of their white colleagues.· But trips home for Arizona firefighters this summer promise to be as rare as a monsoon rain on Memorial Day.· But we know that three-generational households were in fact as rare in the past as they are today.· Perfect honesty in public life is as rare as anti-matter.· Canaletto views of London of this quality are as rare as the Holbein.· That's because, around Britain's rain-lashed resorts, they're about as rare as two weeks of continuous sunshine.· The big ocean-going booms with their kite sails were becoming as rare as square-rigged schooners or clipper ships.
· Deaths before the age of 65, so-called premature deaths, are comparatively rare.· With comparatively rare and usually eccentric exceptions, the rich have been opposed.· Among the mammals they are comparatively rare.· A comparatively rare plant, Acorus is propagated with difficulty but it is a very decorative plant when used in aquariums.· This is probably a comparatively rare occurrence for small mammals, but it certainly does occur.· But, once again, these complications are comparatively rare, and, these days, fairly easy to treat.· In the home, by contrast, communications other than voice telephones, are unfamiliar and comparatively rare.· Policy analysis needs to be concerned with a flow of interrelated policies, with abrupt changes of direction a comparatively rare occurrence.
· In some species, only females appear to exist - males are either extremely rare or non-existent.· This is an extremely rare condition, the cause of which is not known.· International concern for these extremely rare mammals arose after thousands of grey seals were wiped out by the canine distemper virus.· Primary pulmonary hypertension is extremely rare, afflicting about 1, 500 people in the United States.· There are other extremely rare complications.· But such moves have been extremely rare.· The extremely rare use of the bare infinitive with the passive of perceptual verbs adds further proof that this is the case.· However, end-stage renal failure caused by chronic hypokalemia is extremely rare in humans.
· As the Gypsey Race meanders through the estate it encourages and supports much wildlife and some quite rare birds.· Such formations are believed to have been used for determining the solstices and other events and are quite rare.· Impeachment is quite rare in presidential systems.· She's due to have a hip replacement operation in a few weeks time. Quite rare for some one so young.· Therefore, detailed supervision was observed to be quite rare.· Badgers are quite rare in the Doncaster area, where digging and baiting is said to be rife.· A game that can be played by all the family is quite rare so this is sure to be popular among readers.
· Much of this ambiguity arises through relatively rare usages of the words.· Although television and newspaper reports about malformed children abound, it is reassuring to appreciate that abnormalities are relatively rare.· Fortunately, full-blown flu epidemics are relatively rare.· But, given that penguins are relatively rare birds, that turned out to be prohibitively expensive.· Others find things are worse but this is relatively rare.· Pech-Merle also contains some of the relatively rare engravings of human female forms.· Nevertheless, the expulsion of a bishop was a relatively rare phenomenon.· Such refusals or unspoken enmities are relatively rare: but they always point to the heart of a civilization.
· These days the practice of story-telling is so rare that it has acquired the status of an art form.· In 1983, bonuses had been so rare that the bureau did not even keep statistics on the number.· Because neurological syphilis is so rare these days, the call for lumbar puncture is limited.· One final, explosive question remains: Why did a virus that was once so rare suddenly burst into a global pandemic?· This kind of love is so rare as to be almost unbelievable.· She especially appreciated his willingness, so rare in the men she knew, to reveal and analyze his feelings.· Such unions are so rare that, of course, they pose no real problem or threat for the legal system.· There were examples of prion diseases, but the ones that afflicted humans were so rare as to be medical oddities.
· Fun board winds are too rare for experts, who should go to another of our centres.· Apart from Mary, however, black images are too rare to arouse much comment or controversy.· Don't throw love away, it's too rare a thing.· Given those very general and not too rare qualities, people probably automatically help others.· Because of the language barrier and culture shock, such insights are far too rare.· Geothermal energy is, basically, far too rare and too low-grade for widespread economic use.· When the new shops open, they also have that all too rare mainland commodity - customers - and plenty of them.· This may seem like a classic New Hampshire primary moment, but it has been all too rare for the Forbes campaign.
· A few have summered annually since 1966, but breeding is still very rare.· For workers in small firms employment guarantees are very rare, working hours are longer and safety records poor.· Conservative Democrats are a very, very rare breed today in the Deep South.· It is very rare to have this feeling with another person.· For these serious psychiatric conditions the onset of new cases in later life appears to be very rare.· Although changes in liver function tests are very rare, three cases of severe acute hepatitis secondary to piroxicam have been reported.
NOUN· We missed out on some of the rare birds.· But, given that penguins are relatively rare birds, that turned out to be prohibitively expensive.· As the Gypsey Race meanders through the estate it encourages and supports much wildlife and some quite rare birds.· During the nineteenth century it retreated west of the Mississippi, and by 1880 was a rare bird everywhere.· At the Cotswold Wildlife Park devices are fitted to their rare birds which are housed in large strengthened cages.· He is that rare bird, the night-owl who likes talking without the prop of a strong drink in his hands.· It is home to a number of rare birds and animals, including Grant's Bush Baby.· She is a fairly rare bird.
· The library of that house contains among many other rare books, three sets of Leapor's poems.· It's one of those rare books of comic genius that imprints itself on the brain and can never afterwards be eradicated.· The original store and its entire stock of rare books, letters and autographs, was destroyed by fire in 1980.· It is one of those rare books the love of which can easily turn into an addiction.· The rare books on this subject which make it to press do not remain in the shops.· The space devoted to rare books was very much smaller than to the secondhand.
· The Farm Park specializes in showing the public rare breeds of farm animals.· Though Manhattan sports any number of bars capable of making a great drink, the grand hotel bar is a rare breed.· The farm at the site operates a rare breeds centre and also has a tea room with traditional fare.· Lovelock was very rare breed in modern science.· In this respect Anderson is a rare breed among geophysicists, an avowed generalist.· Demand for the rare breed products is growing.· Conservative Democrats are a very, very rare breed today in the Deep South.
· There are even rare cases when the employer accepts that you might be innocent and yet is entitled to dismiss you.· In a few rare cases, lava flows on land have taken place just as the magnetic field was undergoing a reversal.· This, however, I am sad to relate, is a very rare case.· I have a rare case of something with a big name I can't pronounce.· In heavy infections there may be severe cirrhosis and ascites and, in rare cases, liver failure and death.· Head teachers say governors don't show any interest - or in the very rare case show too much.· In rare cases where components differ in some way they will be pleased to give additional support.
· In fact, this is a very rare event.· The bottom line is, these things are very, very rare events.· A completely normal delivery is a rare event these days.· Scientists used to think of mutations as rare events.· Astronomers need much longer observation times and a constant altitude to pick up faint signals or observe rare events.· The Speaker only votes in the rare event of a tie.
· The organ is a rare example of the Gothic Revival style from the beginning of the 18C.· Souverain continues to offer consistently fine value with this rare example of a moderately priced California Chardonnay with character.· Like Sylvia Plath s Edge, it is a rare example of the writer recording the act she is about to perform.· It is a rare example of ecumenism - on a day other than a Friday - across party lines.· Chatteris in the Cambridgeshire fens might be a rare example.· Such survivals in the unbroken tradition of the cottage garden are now rare examples of such excellence and are very scarce indeed.· This is a rare example of Rococo in Prague.· The evidence is undeniably circumstantial; the rare examples of actual letting usually come in the form of licences to demise.
· With rare exceptions, very few patients either understand or utilize the data on physician credentials that are available to them.· With rare exceptions, it was also inordinately expensive.· In nature the green form lives in green places and the yellow form in yellow and brown places, with rare exceptions.· Order and group conformity through bureaucratic systematization became the rule of the day; disobedience and open rebellion the rare exception.· Human rights activists say that case is a rare exception.· With one rare exception, all such cell membranes permit translocation in only one direction.· With rare exceptions, they were nominated essentially by the local aristocracy, particularly by the Duke of Newcastle.· With rare exceptions, world champions are bullied and beaten into fighting shape on the streets.
· It is a state of exaltation of the individual, a great and rare gift of a great and rare invigorating dream.· He had a rare gift for casting presidential power in heroic terms.· Unfortunately skilled chairmanship is a rare gift.· Great Groups are made up of people with rare gifts working together as equals.· Hicks displays a rare gift of extracting informed humour from randomly assembled streams of bemused observation.· He is a writer of rare gifts, and among his gifts is a capacity to wound.· But Luke turned out to have the rare gift of making his subject not merely comprehensible, but absorbingly interesting.· But he was very systematic in his descriptions and had a rare gift for the significant detail.
· Once your case is concluded you can not, except in very rare instances, return to seek further compensation.· In rare instances, they were even given plantations and slaves of their own.· In exceedingly rare instances, a neoplasm or arteriovenous malformation may be the cause.· Typically the two communities exchange correspondence, gifts and, in rare instances, visits.· In rare instances, parkinsonian patients taking levodopa experience increased libido as a side effect.· Yet a few rare instances provide us with at least a general sense of the magnitude of this particular organizational cost.· In rare instances, he sees the desert gently.
· This is because the democracies stand at a rare moment in history.· Even the rare moments of repose were filled with plans.· It is a rare moment of literary shrewdness in Quills.· Children are supervised the whole day, except for rare moments when the teacher slips away and an older student replaces him.· Maybe never, Kirov dared to reflect, in a rare moment of optimism.· With Stephen, for example, there were only rare moments when she would come face to face with his desperate position.· He had noticed that in rare moments of stress she was apt to revert to her original Cockney.· The bombing spawned a rare moment of national consensus and healing.
· It was a special moment, a rare occasion to see them walking.· On rare occasions, owners fail to redeem their property and the county government deeds it over to the investor.· The best strategy is to have small males who stick like glue on the rare occasions when one makes the grade.· On rare occasions one even sings, but haltingly.· On the rare occasion where we need the additional quality of typesetting the only thing we need to take are the disks.· On rare occasions, they preach.· On the very rare occasion I have fished a single caster on a size 20 hook.· On rare occasions, some greyhounds race beyond their sixth birthday.
· This is probably a comparatively rare occurrence for small mammals, but it certainly does occur.· A knock on this door, up here on the fifth floor, especially at night, is a rare occurrence.· In practice parents' associations are incredibly supportive and these problems are a rare occurrence.· The Millers said bears in the camp are a rare occurrence.· Clearly, crime is not a rare occurrence, but it is hidden methodically, and this raises problems for research.· This was, of course, an extremely rare occurrence.· Policy analysis needs to be concerned with a flow of interrelated policies, with abrupt changes of direction a comparatively rare occurrence.· You depict rare occurrences - like Westerners paying for foster children to visit their affluent country - as a major problem.
· These records provided a rare opportunity to study the attenuation of strong seismic waves as a means of assessing seismic hazard.· I believe that in his treatment of me, I had the rare opportunity to see exactly how a person treats himself.· Otherwise Signor Gismondi would not have granted you this rare opportunity.· They are a rare opportunity to penetrate the usual wall of indifference.· I only ask because you may miss a rare opportunity to improve you life in April, due to misplaced prejudice.· Today is a rare opportunity for Ulster Members to have parliamentary time.· It represents a rare opportunity to bring your own bottle, without incurring a corkage fee.
· The area also has a range of fragile eco-systems and rare plants including button grass, alpine meadow and snow gum.· A comparatively rare plant, Acorus is propagated with difficulty but it is a very decorative plant when used in aquariums.· These include dragonflies, in particular the blue tailed damselfly, and several rare plant species.· The hotel is full of charm and character and Penny Rawson's beloved and rare plants.· Comments: A rare plant, needing special conditions.· Some rare plants such as orchids are found here.· A 73-acre site at Black Snib, near Carlisle, had been provisionally designated because of its rare plants and wildlife.· The colour and texture of foliage is an essential part of the design, with many rare plants.
· The guests fell upon the centaurs and drove them out of the country, so they are now a rare sight indeed.· Ragged children run up to approaching cars with delight because motorized vehicles are a rare sight.· In the big clashes it was a rare sight.· Mountain lions, once a rare sight, are becoming almost commonplace.· Nowadays it's a rare sight.· A rare sight! - empty seats in a meeting room.· Leicester then began to indulge themselves in some fancy patterns-a rare sight.· I felt very privileged to have stumbled upon such a rare sight.
· Last year rare species worth half a million pounds pounds have been stolen in raids around the country.· Or suppose the individual is an eaglet of a rare species anxiously watched by conservationists in its nest.· But where there are sellers there are buyers, and it was this latter rare species we had set our sights on.· The rule is an attempt to prevent harm to pets or rare species that may wander into the traps.· But the subject of both pieces is a rare species and one of the genuine and original characters.· This time the threat is not to man, but to rare species of seal, por poise and sea birds.· Another area is farming rare species.· When I went to Webber Douglas they practically fell on any man as a rare species.
· The path meanders off toward a horizon line, a rare thing in a Waid painting.· Atomised is, however, that rare thing, a novel of ideas that comes close to working.· Guests, callers, co-hosts -- everybody got their time to speak without being interrupted, a rare thing these days.· He was that rare thing in any society, especially in an impecunious society under arms: a leader who was loved.· The truly personal diary, intended for purely personal perusal, is a rare thing.· He is that rare thing, a chap who's made a hit by being passive.· Corbett was not only a great hunter and practical naturalist, he was also that rare thing, a natural writer.
WORD FAMILYnounrarityadjectiverareadverbrarely
1not seen or found very often, or not happening very often OPP common: This species of plant is becoming increasingly rare. I only saw Helen on the rare occasions when I went into her shop.it is rare (for somebody/something) to do something It is rare to find such an interesting group of people. It is very rare for her to miss a day at school.► see thesaurus at unusual2meat that is rare has only been cooked for a short time and is still red: I like my steak rare.3[only before noun] British English old-fashioned very good or surprising: We had a rare old time at the party.THESAURUSrare not existing in large numbers or in large amounts: · The law prevents the export of rare birds.· The plates are quite rare. Only about a hundred were made.scarce not available in large enough numbers or amounts at a particular time – used especially about things people need: · After the war, food and clothing were scarce.· People are having to compete for scarce resources.not common [not before noun] fairly rare: · Silver coins of this period are not common, and could be very valuable.infrequent formal not happening often: · As time went on, her visits became more and more infrequent.be few and far between to not be common – especially much less common than you might expect: · Luckily, accidents such as these are few and far between.· Bargains are, unfortunately, few and far between.be (something of) a rarity if something or someone is a rarity, it is surprising to find one, because very few exist: · Women are still something of a rarity in senior management positions.be like hen’s teeth informal to be extremely rare: · Good Greek restaurants are like hen’s teeth around here.