Something that is rare is not common and is therefore interesting or valuable.
...the black-necked crane, one of the rarest species in the world.
She collects rare plants.
Do you want to know about a particular rare stamp or rare stamps in general?
Synonyms: priceless, special, unusual, out of the ordinary More Synonyms of rare
2. adjective
An event or situation that is rare does not occur very often.
...on those rare occasions when he did eat alone.
Heart attacks were extremely rare in babies, he said.
It's apparently rare for anyone to have two legs the same length.
I think it's very rare to have big families nowadays.
Synonyms: uncommon, unusual, exceptional, out of the ordinary More Synonyms of rare
3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You use rare to emphasize an extremely good or remarkable quality.
[emphasis]
Ferris has a rare ability to record her observations on paper.
It was a rare pleasure to see him in action.
...a leader of rare strength and instinct.
Synonyms: superb, great [informal], fine, excellent More Synonyms of rare
4. adjective
Meat that is rare is cooked very lightly so that the inside is still red.
Thick tuna steaks are eaten rare, like beef.
Waiter, I specifically asked for this steak rare.
Synonyms: underdone, blue, bloody, undercooked More Synonyms of rare
rare in British English1
(rɛə)
adjective
1.
not widely known; not frequently used or experienced; uncommon or unusual
a rare word
2.
occurring seldom
a rare appearance
3.
not widely distributed; not generally occurring
a rare herb
4.
(of a gas, esp the atmosphere at high altitudes) having a low density; thin; rarefied
5.
uncommonly great; extreme
kind to a rare degree
6.
exhibiting uncommon excellence; superlatively good or fine
rare skill
7.
highly valued because of its uncommonness
a rare prize
Derived forms
rareness (ˈrareness)
noun
Word origin
C14: from Latin rārus sparse
rare in British English2
(rɛə)
adjective
(of meat, esp beef) very lightly cooked
Word origin
Old English hrēr; perhaps related to hreawraw
rare in American English1
(rɛr)
adjectiveWord forms: ˈrarer or ˈrarest
1.
not frequently encountered; scarce; unusual
2.
unusually good; excellent
a rare scholar
3.
not dense; thin; tenuous
rare atmosphere
4. Obsolete
not close together; scattered
Derived forms
rareness (ˈrareness)
noun
Word origin
ME < MFr < L rarus, loose, thin, scarce, prob. < IE base *(e)re-, loose > Gr erēmos, solitary
rare in American English2
(rɛr)
adjectiveWord forms: ˈrarer or ˈrarest
not completely cooked; underdone; partly raw
said esp. of meat
Derived forms
rareness (ˈrareness)
noun
Word origin
earlier rear < ME rere < OE hrere, lightly boiled (basic sense prob. “disturbed, moved”) < base of hreran, to move
rare in American English3
(rɛr)
verb intransitiveWord forms: rared or ˈraring
1. Dialectal
rear2 (sense 5) rear2 (sense 6)
2. US, Informal
to be eager, enthusiastic, etc.
used in prp.
raring to go
rare in Hospitality
(rɛər)
adjective
(Hospitality (hotel): Food and drink, meat)
Meat that is rare is cooked very lightly so that the inside is still red and cold.
Thick tuna steaks are eaten rare, like beef.
Some customers want rare steaks with a cool center.
Cook for 30 minutes for rare beef, 40 minutes for well done beef.
Related wordsThe following are also terms that relate to how well cooked a piece of meat is. medium raremediummedium wellwell done
More idioms containing
rare
a rare bird
Examples of 'rare' in a sentence
rare
Images range from the iconic to the extremely rare.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It was rare for anyone to get more than one bite.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He is magnetic on screen, with a rare ability to combine masculinity with vulnerability.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
You played for one team back then, but that is extremely rare now.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It's very rare for anyone to cut ties completely.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
A highlight of my trip was an opportunity to see a rare ceremony in a nearby village.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They are also extremely rare.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The hotel said:'It is extremely rare for us to take the kind of action which results in a guest being ejected.
The Sun (2016)
This is the kind of rare book that makes the hairs on your neck rise up.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
There was some rare good news from the oil sector.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Food is less available and expensive food such as red meat is a rare delicacy.
Wallace, Louise M & Bundy, Christine Coping with Angina (1990)
The witness said it was rare to see him with women.
The Sun (2010)
It is extremely rare to get a personalised one.
The Sun (2013)
We discuss his rare ability to grab hold of them and change them.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Rust problems are making good examples rarer.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Do you know how rare it is to find a man like that?
Christianity Today (2000)
It is rare to see a team whose confidence drains away so quickly.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He had such a rare ability to make people laugh and his drawings still have that power.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Russia has offered is a rare bit of good news.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It is rare for anyone to refuse to appear at a select committee inquiry.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The green oasis is a rare sight in a country that has now endured more than a year of conflict.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Such is the new conventional wisdom, backed by a rare accord of common sense and statistics.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
You can cook the meat as low as 30°C if you like it really rare.
The Sun (2012)
Winning medals on an Olympic debut in sailing is now extremely rare.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
They buy our organic, rare breed meat and their menus are fantastic.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Sofia's condition is so rare that doctors know little about it.
The Sun (2015)
Hundreds took to the streets last week in a protest of a sort that is common elsewhere but rare in Beijing.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The Englishman has a rare and particular kind of ego and its crucial aspect is that it is always subject to the interests of the team.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In other languages
rare
British English: rare /rɛə/ ADJECTIVE
uncommon If something is rare, it is not common, and is therefore interesting, valuable, or unusual.
...rare trees and plants.
American English: rare uncommon
Arabic: نَادِر
Brazilian Portuguese: raro
Chinese: 稀罕的
Croatian: rijedak
Czech: vzácný neobvyklý
Danish: sjælden
Dutch: zeldzaam
European Spanish: raro infrecuente
Finnish: harvinainen
French: rare
German: selten
Greek: σπάνιος
Italian: raro
Japanese: 珍しい
Korean: 드문
Norwegian: sjelden
Polish: rzadki
European Portuguese: raro
Romanian: rar
Russian: редкий
Latin American Spanish: raro
Swedish: ovanlig
Thai: ที่พบได้น้อย
Turkish: nadir
Ukrainian: рідкісний
Vietnamese: hiếm thấy
British English: rare /rɛə/ ADJECTIVE
lightly cooked Meat that is rare is cooked very lightly so that the inside is still red.
American English: rare undercooked
Arabic: مَشْوِيٌّ قَلِيلاً
Brazilian Portuguese: malpassado
Chinese: 半熟的
Croatian: nepotpuno pečen
Czech: krvavý steak
Danish: rødstegt
Dutch: halfrauw
European Spanish: poco hecho
Finnish: puolikypsä
French: saignant
German: blutig Steak
Greek: σχεδόν ωμός
Italian: al sangue
Japanese: 生焼けの undercooked
Korean: 덜 익은
Norwegian: lettstekt
Polish: na pół surowy
European Portuguese: mal passado
Romanian: în sânge
Russian: мясо, приготовленное с кровью
Latin American Spanish: a medio cocer
Swedish: rå
Thai: ไม่สุก
Turkish: az pişmiş
Ukrainian: недосмажений
Vietnamese: tái
All related terms of 'rare'
rare bird
If you say that someone or something is a rare bird , you mean that they are very unusual.
rare book
A book is a number of pieces of paper, usually with words printed on them, which are fastened together and fixed inside a cover of stronger paper or cardboard . Books contain information, stories , or poetry, for example .
rare feat
If you refer to an action, or the result of an action, as a feat , you admire it because it is an impressive and difficult achievement .
rare gas
any of the unreactive gaseous elements helium , neon , argon , krypton , xenon , and radon
medium rare
lightly cooked , so as to be warm but still red in the middle
rare beast
You can use beast to refer to something or someone in a light-hearted way, and to mention that they have a particular quality.
rare chance
If you have a chance to do something, you have the opportunity to do it.
rare earth
any oxide of a lanthanide
rare moment
A particular moment is the point in time at which something happens .
rare disease
A disease is an illness which affects people, animals, or plants, for example one which is caused by bacteria or infection .
rare example
An example of something is a particular situation, object, or person which shows that what is being claimed is true .
rare glimpse
A glimpse of something is a brief experience of it or an idea about it that helps you understand or appreciate it better .
a rare bird
someone or something that is different from most other people or things
rare occurrence
An occurrence is something that happens.
rare phenomenon
A phenomenon is something that is observed to happen or exist.
rare privilege
A privilege is a special right or advantage that only one person or group has.
rare opportunity
An opportunity is a situation in which it is possible for you to do something that you want to do.
attacks are rare
To attack a person or place means to try to hurt or damage them using physical violence .
rare-earth element
any element of the lanthanide series
argonon
any of the unreactive gaseous elements helium, neon , argon , krypton , xenon , and radon
inert gas
any of the unreactive gaseous elements helium , neon , argon , krypton , xenon , and radon
noble gas
any of the unreactive gaseous elements helium , neon , argon , krypton , xenon , and radon
lanthanide
any element of the lanthanide series
Chinese translation of 'rare'
rare
(rɛəʳ)
adj
(= uncommon) 稀有的 (xīyǒu de)
(= lightly cooked)[steak]半熟的 (bànshóu de)
it is rare to find ... 难(難)得找到 ... (nándé zhǎodào ... )
1 (adjective)
Definition
uncommon or unusual
She collects rare plants.
Synonyms
priceless
priceless works of art
special
I usually reserve these outfits for special occasions.
unusual
rare and unusual plants
out of the ordinary
Have you noticed anything out of the ordinary about him?
rich
This is a Baroque church with a rich interior.
precious
jewellery and precious objects belonging to her mother
invaluable
Their advice was invaluable to me at that stage of my work.
2 (adjective)
Definition
not happening or done very often
I think big families are extremely rare nowadays.
Synonyms
uncommon
Certain types of flu are uncommon.
unusual
He was an unusual man with great business talents.
exceptional
The courts hold that this case is exceptional.
out of the ordinary
few
In some cities there are few trees.
strange
There was something strange about the flickering blue light.
scarce
I'm unemployed, so luxuries are scarce.
singular
a smile of singular sweetness
sporadic
The sound of sporadic thunder could still be heard.
sparse
Many slopes are rock fields with sparse vegetation.
infrequent
She was paying one of her infrequent visits to London.
thin on the ground
recherché
Opposites
many
,
common
,
regular
, frequent,
abundant
,
plentiful
,
habitual
,
manifold
,
bountiful
,
profuse
3 (adjective)
Definition
of uncommonly high quality
She has a rare ability to record her observations on paper.
Synonyms
superb
a superb 18-hole golf course
great (informal)
It's a great film; you must see it.
fine
This is a fine book.
excellent
We complimented him on doing an excellent job.
extreme
exquisite
The hotel features friendly staff and exquisite cuisine.
admirable
The film tells its story with admirable economy.
superlative
Some superlative wines are made in this region.
choice
The finest array of choicest foods is to be found within their Food Hall.
incomparable
a performance of incomparable brilliance
peerless
a peerless German soprano
(adjective)
Definition
(of meat) very lightly cooked
Waiter, I specifically asked for this steak rare.
Synonyms
underdone
blue
bloody
undercooked
half-cooked
half-raw
Additional synonyms
in the sense of admirable
Definition
deserving or inspiring admiration
The film tells its story with admirable economy.
Synonyms
praiseworthy,
good,
great (informal),
fine,
capital,
noted,
choice,
champion,
prime,
select,
wonderful,
excellent,
brilliant,
rare,
cracking (British, informal),
outstanding,
valuable,
superb,
distinguished,
superior,
sterling,
worthy,
first-class,
notable,
sovereign,
dope (slang),
world-class,
exquisite,
exemplary,
first-rate,
superlative,
commendable,
top-notch (informal),
brill (informal),
laudable,
meritorious,
estimable,
tiptop,
A1 or A-one (informal),
bitchin' (US, slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
ka pai (New Zealand),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang)
in the sense of choice
Definition
of high quality
The finest array of choicest foods is to be found within their Food Hall.
Synonyms
best,
bad (slang),
special,
prime,
nice,
prize,
select,
excellent,
elect,
crucial (slang),
exclusive,
elite,
superior,
exquisite,
def (slang),
sick (slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
hand-picked,
dainty,
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal)
in the sense of excellent
Definition
exceptionally good
We complimented him on doing an excellent job.
Synonyms
outstanding,
good,
great (informal),
fine,
prime,
capital,
noted,
choice,
champion,
cool (informal),
select,
brilliant,
very good,
cracking (British, informal),
crucial (slang),
mean (slang),
superb,
distinguished,
fantastic (informal),
magnificent,
superior,
sterling,
worthy,
first-class,
marvellous,
exceptional,
terrific (informal),
splendid,
notable,
mega (slang),
topping (British, slang),
sovereign,
dope (slang),
sick (slang),
world-class,
exquisite,
admirable,
exemplary,
wicked (slang),
first-rate,
def (slang),
superlative,
top-notch (informal),
brill (informal),
nang (British, slang),
pre-eminent,
meritorious,
estimable,
tiptop,
bodacious (slang, US),
boffo (slang),
the dog's bollocks (taboo, slang),
jim-dandy (slang),
A1 or A-one (informal),
bitchin' (US, slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang),
bakgat (South Africa)
Synonyms of 'rare'
rare
Explore 'rare' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of exceptional
Definition
forming an exception
The courts hold that this case is exceptional.
Synonyms
unusual,
special,
odd,
strange,
rare,
extraordinary,
unprecedented,
peculiar,
abnormal,
irregular,
uncommon,
inconsistent,
singular,
deviant (old-fashioned),
anomalous,
atypical,
aberrant
in the sense of exquisite
The hotel features friendly staff and exquisite cuisine.
Synonyms
excellent,
fine,
outstanding,
superb,
choice,
perfect,
select,
delicious,
divine (informal),
splendid,
admirable,
consummate,
flawless,
superlative,
incomparable,
peerless,
matchless
in the sense of few
Definition
hardly any
In some cities there are few trees.
Synonyms
not many,
one or two,
hardly any,
scarcely any,
rare,
thin,
scattered,
insufficient,
scarce,
scant,
meagre,
negligible,
sporadic,
sparse,
infrequent,
scanty,
inconsiderable
in the sense of fine
Definition
very good
This is a fine book.
Synonyms
excellent,
good,
great (informal),
striking,
choice,
beautiful,
masterly,
select,
rare,
very good,
supreme,
impressive,
outstanding,
magnificent,
superior,
accomplished,
sterling,
first-class,
divine (informal),
exceptional,
splendid,
world-class,
exquisite,
admirable,
skilful,
ornate,
first-rate,
showy,
bakgat (South Africa)
in the sense of great
Definition
excellent
It's a great film; you must see it.
Synonyms
excellent,
good,
fine,
wonderful,
mean (slang),
topping (British, slang),
cracking (British, informal),
superb,
fantastic (informal),
tremendous (informal),
marvellous (informal),
terrific (informal),
mega (slang),
sovereign,
awesome (slang),
dope (slang),
sick (slang),
admirable,
first-rate,
def (informal),
brill (informal),
boffo (slang),
bitchin',
chillin' (US, slang),
GR8,
jim-dandy (slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang)
in the sense of incomparable
Definition
so excellent as to be beyond or above comparison
a performance of incomparable brilliance
Synonyms
unequalled,
supreme,
unparalleled,
paramount,
superlative,
transcendent,
unrivalled,
inimitable,
unmatched,
peerless,
matchless,
beyond compare
in the sense of infrequent
Definition
not happening often
She was paying one of her infrequent visits to London.
Synonyms
occasional,
rare,
uncommon,
unusual,
sporadic,
few and far between,
once in a blue moon
in the sense of invaluable
Definition
having great value that is impossible to calculate
Their advice was invaluable to me at that stage of my work.
Synonyms
precious,
valuable,
priceless,
costly,
inestimable,
beyond price,
worth your or its weight in gold
in the sense of out of the ordinary
Definition
unusual
Have you noticed anything out of the ordinary about him?
Synonyms
unusual,
different,
odd,
important,
special,
striking,
surprising,
significant,
strange,
exciting,
rare,
impressive,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
remarkable,
bizarre,
distinguished,
unexpected,
curious,
exceptional,
notable,
unfamiliar,
abnormal,
queer (archaic),
uncommon,
singular,
unconventional,
noteworthy,
atypical
in the sense of peerless
Definition
having no equals
a peerless German soprano
Synonyms
unequalled,
excellent,
unique,
outstanding,
unparalleled,
superlative,
unrivalled,
second to none,
incomparable,
unmatched,
unsurpassed,
matchless,
beyond compare,
nonpareil
Additional synonyms
in the sense of precious
Definition
very costly or valuable
jewellery and precious objects belonging to her mother
Synonyms
valuable,
expensive,
rare,
fine,
choice,
prized,
dear,
costly,
high-priced,
exquisite,
invaluable,
priceless,
recherché,
inestimable
in the sense of rich
This is a Baroque church with a rich interior.
Synonyms
costly,
fine,
expensive,
valuable,
superb,
elegant,
precious,
elaborate,
splendid,
gorgeous,
lavish,
exquisite,
sumptuous,
priceless,
palatial,
beyond price
in the sense of scarce
Definition
not common
I'm unemployed, so luxuries are scarce.
Synonyms
rare,
few,
unusual,
uncommon,
few and far between,
infrequent,
thin on the ground,
seldom met with
in the sense of singular
Definition
remarkable
a smile of singular sweetness
Synonyms
remarkable,
unique,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
exceptional,
rare,
notable,
eminent,
uncommon,
conspicuous,
prodigious,
unparalleled,
noteworthy
in the sense of sparse
Definition
small in amount and spread out widely
Many slopes are rock fields with sparse vegetation.
Synonyms
scattered,
scarce,
meagre,
sporadic,
few and far between,
scanty
in the sense of special
Definition
not usual
I usually reserve these outfits for special occasions.
Synonyms
exceptional,
important,
significant,
particular,
unique,
unusual,
extraordinary,
distinguished,
memorable,
gala,
festive,
uncommon,
momentous,
out of the ordinary,
one in a million,
red-letter,
especial (formal)
in the sense of sporadic
Definition
happening at irregular intervals
The sound of sporadic thunder could still be heard.
Synonyms
intermittent,
occasional,
scattered,
isolated,
random,
on and off,
irregular,
infrequent,
spasmodic,
scattershot
in the sense of strange
Definition
odd or unexpected
There was something strange about the flickering blue light.
Synonyms
odd,
unusual,
curious,
weird,
wonderful,
rare,
funny,
extraordinary,
remarkable,
bizarre,
fantastic,
astonishing,
marvellous,
exceptional,
peculiar,
eccentric,
abnormal,
out-of-the-way,
queer (archaic),
irregular,
rum (British, archaic),
uncommon,
singular,
perplexing,
uncanny,
mystifying,
unheard-of,
off-the-wall (slang),
oddball (informal),
unaccountable,
left-field (informal),
outré,
curiouser and curiouser,
out there (slang),
daggy (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
in the sense of superlative
Definition
the superlative form of an adjective or adverb
Some superlative wines are made in this region.
Synonyms
supreme,
excellent,
outstanding,
highest,
greatest,
crack (slang),
magnificent,
surpassing,
consummate,
stellar (informal),
unparalleled,
transcendent,
unrivalled,
peerless,
unsurpassed,
matchless,
of the highest order,
of the first water
in the sense of unusual
Definition
uncommon or extraordinary
rare and unusual plants
Synonyms
rare,
odd,
strange,
extraordinary,
different,
surprising,
novel,
bizarre,
unexpected,
curious,
weird (informal),
unfamiliar,
abnormal,
queer (archaic),
phenomenal,
uncommon,
out of the ordinary,
left-field (informal),
unwonted
Additional synonyms
in the sense of unusual
Definition
uncommon or extraordinary
He was an unusual man with great business talents.