Rare vs. Seldom — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 24, 2024
Rare refers to something uncommon or not frequently encountered, often emphasizing uniqueness; seldom is an adverb describing how infrequently an event or action occurs.
Difference Between Rare and Seldom
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Rare is primarily used as an adjective to describe the scarcity or infrequency of an object, event, or phenomenon, highlighting its uniqueness or the low likelihood of encountering it. Seldom, on the other hand, is used to describe the frequency of actions or occurrences, indicating that something happens only on rare occasions or at wide intervals in time.
While "rare" can apply to tangible objects, such as rare coins or rare species, indicating their limited presence or availability in the world, "seldom" is applied to intangible concepts like actions or events, emphasizing the timing or frequency of their occurrence rather than their physical characteristics.
"Rare" carries a nuance of value or significance due to its scarcity, suggesting that the rarity of an item or situation might increase its worth or interest. Conversely, "seldom" is neutral regarding value, focusing purely on the aspect of infrequency without implying that the rare occurrence is necessarily significant or valuable.
The use of "rare" can also suggest a degree of exceptionality or extraordinariness, such as in rare talents or rare beauty, where the emphasis is on the quality or degree of uncommonness. "Seldom," however, implies no intrinsic quality other than the infrequency of occurrence, such as in "seldom seen" or "seldom heard," which merely notes the lack of regular appearance or audibility.
Despite their differences, both terms are related to the concept of infrequency but from different angles: "rare" from the perspective of existence or availability, and "seldom" from the perspective of occurrence or action. This distinction is crucial in understanding the subtleties of their use in language.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Adverb (sometimes adjective in usage)
Usage
Describes scarcity or infrequency of objects, events, or phenomena
Describes the infrequency of actions or events
Implication
Often implies uniqueness or value due to scarcity
Neutral regarding value, focuses on timing
Application
Tangible and intangible concepts (objects, talents)
Primarily intangible concepts (actions, occurrences)
Nuance
Suggests exceptionality or extraordinariness
Indicates mere infrequency without suggesting quality
Compare with Definitions
Rare
Valuable due to scarcity.
The museum displayed a rare collection of ancient coins.
Seldom
Rarely occurring or done.
Seldom do we see such bravery in action.
Rare
Seldom occurring or seen.
A solar eclipse is a rare event that draws crowds of spectators.
Seldom
Hardly ever. almost never.
Good deeds seldom go unnoticed.
Rare
Uncommon and infrequently encountered.
A rare blood type can make it difficult to find compatible donors.
Seldom
Used to express the infrequency of an event's occurrence.
It seldom rains in this part of the country.
Rare
Exceptionally good or remarkable.
The artist’s talent is rare and captivating.
Seldom
Not often. infrequently.
She seldom visits her hometown these days.
Rare
Not often found in a particular state or condition.
The chef is known for preparing steak to rare perfection.
Seldom
Indicates something is uncommon in time.
He seldom speaks of his experiences abroad.
Rare
Infrequently occurring; uncommon
A rare event.
A plant that is rare in this region.
Seldom
Not often; infrequently or rarely. See Usage Note at rarely.
Rare
Excellent; extraordinary
A rare sense of honor.
Seldom
Infrequent; rare
One of my seldom visits to the area.
Rare
Thin in density; rarefied
Rare air.
Seldom
Infrequently, rarely.
They seldom come here now.
Rare
Cooked just a short time so as to retain juice and redness
A rare steak.
Seldom
(archaic) Rare; infrequent.
Rare
Very uncommon; scarce.
Black pearls are very rare and therefore very valuable.
Seldom
Rarely; not often; not frequently.
Wisdom and youth are seldom joined in one.
Rare
(of a gas) Thin; of low density.
Seldom
Rare; infrequent.
Rare
Good; enjoyable.
Seldom
Not often;
We rarely met
Rare
(cooking) Particularly of meat, especially beefsteak: cooked very lightly, so the meat is still red.
Well done
Rare
(obsolete) Early.
Rare
(gaming) A scarce or uncommon item.
Rare
To rear, rise up, start backwards.
Rare
To rear, bring up, raise.
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
What does "seldom" mean?
"Seldom" is an adverb that describes the infrequency of an action or event, indicating that something happens not often or only on rare occasions.
How do "rare" and "seldom" differ in implication?
"Rare" often implies uniqueness or value due to scarcity, suggesting exceptionality, whereas "seldom" is neutral regarding value, focusing solely on the aspect of infrequency.
What role does rarity play in determining the value of an object or event?
Rarity, as denoted by "rare," often increases the perceived value or interest of an object, event, or phenomenon due to its scarcity and the human tendency to value what is less accessible or uncommon, implying that rare items are more sought after or appreciated.
Can "rare" and "seldom" be used interchangeably?
While both terms relate to infrequency, they are not interchangeable due to their different applications ("rare" for objects and qualities, "seldom" for actions and events) and parts of speech.
Is "seldom" a statement about quality?
No, "seldom" simply indicates the infrequency of occurrence and does not imply anything about the quality or value of the action or event.
How does the context change the usage of "rare" and "seldom"?
The context determines the usage: "rare" is used when referring to the scarcity or unusualness of objects, qualities, or phenomena, enhancing their perceived value or uniqueness; "seldom" refers to the timing or frequency of actions or events, highlighting their infrequency without commenting on their intrinsic value.
Is "seldom" always an adverb?
"Seldom" is primarily used as an adverb, but it can function as an adjective in certain contexts, although this usage is less common.
What does "rare" mean?
"Rare" describes something that is uncommon, infrequently found or encountered, and often valuable or remarkable due to its scarcity.
How do "rare" and "seldom" impact the tone of a statement?
"Rare" can add a tone of exclusivity or special significance to a statement, suggesting that the subject is noteworthy or exceptional. In contrast, "seldom" introduces a tone of rarity in terms of timing or occurrence, without necessarily adding emotional significance, keeping the focus on the infrequency of an action or event.
Is the emotional connotation of "rare" and "seldom" the same?
No, "rare" may carry a positive emotional connotation, highlighting uniqueness or special value, while "seldom" is neutral, merely indicating the lack of frequency without inherently positive or negative emotional weight.
Can "rare" apply to intangible concepts?
Yes, "rare" can describe intangible concepts, such as talents or opportunities, emphasizing their uncommon nature or scarcity.
Can "seldom" describe frequency in any context?
"Seldom" describes the frequency of occurrences across a wide range of contexts, from personal habits to natural events, effectively communicating that something happens infrequently, regardless of the specific domain or subject matter.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-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.
