Few vs. Rare — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 7, 2024
"Few" refers to a small number of items or occurrences, emphasizing quantity, while "rare" describes the infrequency or uncommonness of an event, item, or condition, highlighting its scarcity or uniqueness.
Difference Between Few and Rare
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
When we say something has "few," we are quantitatively assessing the amount, suggesting that there are not many of them. For example, mentioning that a store has few apples left indicates a small quantity available for purchase. On the other hand, "rare" focuses on the aspect of rarity or the unusual frequency with which something occurs or is found. A rare bird sighting implies that the species is not commonly seen, regardless of the global population size.
The use of "few" often carries a connotation of insufficiency or lack in relation to the expected or desired amount. It can imply a shortfall or a situation where the quantity is less than usual or anticipated. Conversely, "rare" tends to confer value or special interest due to its infrequency, making something rare potentially more desirable or worthy of attention.
In practical contexts, "few" can be applied to situations where countability and precise numbers are relevant, such as in inventory counts, attendance records, or any scenario where the actual number is significant. "Rare," however, is more subjective and qualitative, depending on the context of occurrence and comparison to what is considered normal or expected.
The distinction also affects perception and response. Saying there are "few" opportunities for advancement within a company may motivate action to seek alternatives. In contrast, describing an opportunity as "rare" might highlight its value, encouraging immediate pursuit due to its uncommon nature.
"Few" is specifically used with countable nouns, referring to items that can be numbered. "Rare" is more versatile, applicable to both countable and uncountable nouns, reflecting its broader emphasis on scarcity rather than mere quantity.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Refers to a small number of items or occurrences
Describes the infrequency or uncommonness of an event or item
Emphasis
Quantity
Scarcity or uniqueness
Connotation
Insufficiency, lack
Special interest, value
Application
Countable items, situations where precise numbers are relevant
Both countable and uncountable nouns, qualitative assessment
Perception & Response
May imply a need for action due to shortfall
Highlights value, encouraging interest or pursuit
Examples
Few people attended the meeting.
Rare diseases require specialized care.
Compare with Definitions
Few
Suggests limited availability.
There are only a few tickets left for the concert.
Rare
Indicates uncommonness or infrequency.
A rare alignment of planets will be visible tonight.
Few
Signifying a small number of entities.
Only a few students understood the complex equation.
Rare
Emphasizes the exceptional nature of an occurrence or item.
Finding such a rare gemstone in the region was unexpected.
Few
Can indicate a lack or scarcity, but with focus on countability.
We have a few options left to consider.
Rare
Often carries a positive connotation of uniqueness or value.
The museum displayed a rare collection of medieval manuscripts.
Few
Associated with items or occurrences that can be quantified.
Only a few artifacts from the ancient site have been preserved.
Rare
Not limited by countability; applies to broad contexts.
Rare talent like hers is hard to find.
Few
Often implies a comparison with a larger expected number.
Few members have renewed their subscriptions this year.
Rare
Can denote scarcity that enhances interest.
The rare bird sighting attracted many enthusiasts.
Few
Amounting to or consisting of a small number
One of my few bad habits. See Usage Note at less.
Rare
Infrequently occurring; uncommon
A rare event.
A plant that is rare in this region.
Few
Being more than one but indefinitely small in number
Bowled a few strings.
Rare
Excellent; extraordinary
A rare sense of honor.
Few
An indefinitely small number of persons or things
A few of the books have torn jackets.
Rare
Thin in density; rarefied
Rare air.
Few
An exclusive or limited number
The discerning few.
The fortunate few.
Rare
Cooked just a short time so as to retain juice and redness
A rare steak.
Few
(preceded by another determiner) An indefinite, but usually small, number of.
There are a few cars (=some, but a relatively small number) in the street.
Quite a few people (=a significant number) were pleasantly surprised.
I think he's had a few drinks. [This usage is likely ironic.]
Rare
Very uncommon; scarce.
Black pearls are very rare and therefore very valuable.
Few
(used alone) Not many; a small (in comparison with another number stated or implied) but somewhat indefinite number of.
There are very few people who understand quantum theory.
I was expecting a big crowd at the party, but very few people (=almost none) turned up.
Rare
(of a gas) Thin; of low density.
Few
Obscuring one to two oktas (eighths) of the sky.
Tonight: A few clouds. Increasing cloudiness overnight.
NOAA definition of the term "few clouds": An official sky cover classification for aviation weather observations, descriptive of a sky cover of 1/8 to 2/8. This is applied only when obscuring phenomena aloft are present--that is, not when obscuring phenomena are surface-based, such as fog.
Rare
Good; enjoyable.
Few
(US?) Having a 10 percent chance of measurable precipitation (0.01 inch); used interchangeably with isolated.
Rare
(cooking) Particularly of meat, especially beefsteak: cooked very lightly, so the meat is still red.
Well done
Few
Few people, few things.
Many are called, but few are chosen.
Rare
(obsolete) Early.
Few
Not many; small, limited, or confined in number; - indicating a small portion of units or individuals constituting a whole; often, by ellipsis of a noun, a few people.
Few know and fewer care.
Rare
(gaming) A scarce or uncommon item.
Few
An indefinite but relatively small number;
They bought a case of beer and drank a few
Rare
To rear, rise up, start backwards.
Few
A small elite group;
It was designed for the discriminating few
Rare
To rear, bring up, raise.
Few
A quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by `a'; a small but indefinite number;
A few weeks ago
A few more wagons than usual
An invalid's pleasures are few and far between
Few roses were still blooming
Few women have led troops in battle
Rare
Early.
Rude mechanicals that rare and lateWork in the market place.
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.
Rare
Not frequent; seldom met with or occurring; unusual; as, a rare event.
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.
Rare
Thinly scattered; dispersed.
Those rare and solitary, these in flocks.
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.
Rare
Not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness;
A rare word
Rare books
Rare
Recurring only at long intervals;
A rare appearance
Total eclipses are rare events
Rare
Not widely distributed;
Rare herbs
Rare patches of gree in the desert
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
Rare
Having low density;
Rare gasses
Lightheaded from the rarefied mountain air
Rare
(of meat) cooked a short time; still red inside;
Rare roast beef
Common Curiosities
How is "rare" defined?
"Rare" describes something uncommon or infrequent, emphasizing its scarcity, uniqueness, or value.
How does "few" affect perception?
"Few" may suggest a shortfall or limited availability, potentially prompting action to address the scarcity.
What implications does "rare" have?
"Rare" often implies special interest or value due to the infrequency or uniqueness of an item or event, highlighting its desirability.
What does "few" mean?
"Few" refers to a small number of countable items or occurrences, often highlighting a comparative lack or insufficiency.
Can "few" and "rare" be used interchangeably?
While both indicate scarcity, they are not interchangeable because "few" quantifies, and "rare" qualifies the scarcity or uniqueness.
Is "few" a negative term?
While not inherently negative, "few" can carry a connotation of insufficiency or lack when compared to expected amounts.
What kind of value does "rare" confer on an item?
"Rare" can confer exceptional value or interest on an item due to its uncommon nature, often making it more sought after.
Why is something considered "rare"?
An item or occurrence is considered "rare" if it seldom happens or appears, making it stand out from what is commonly found or experienced.
In what contexts is "few" used?
"Few" is used in contexts where the actual number of countable items or occurrences is relevant and notably small.
What is the impact of "few" on decision-making?
The indication of "few" can prompt reevaluation of options or strategies due to limited availability or choices.
Can a "rare" item become less rare over time?
Yes, an item's rarity can change due to factors like increased production, discovery of new sources, or changes in demand.
How does the concept of rarity affect consumer behavior?
The perception of rarity can increase an item's desirability and value, influencing consumers to act swiftly or pay higher prices.
Why might "rare" items require special care or attention?
Due to their uncommon nature, "rare" items might need special care to preserve their condition or to study them further.
Can the use of "few" imply urgency?
Yes, stating that only a "few" are left or available can create a sense of urgency due to the perceived imminent shortage.
How do "few" and "rare" differ in their application to nouns?
"Few" applies specifically to countable nouns, while "rare" can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
