Rarely vs. Seldom — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
"Rarely" and "seldom" both express infrequency, but "rarely" often suggests a lower frequency and more exceptionality than "seldom."
Difference Between Rarely and Seldom
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Rarely" implies that an event or occurrence happens very infrequently and might carry a connotation of surprise or noteworthiness when it does occur. On the other hand, "seldom" suggests infrequency as well but with a slightly less emphatic sense of rarity.
"Rarely" is often used to emphasize the unusualness of an event, highlighting its scarcity or exceptionality. Whereas "seldom" might simply denote that something does not happen often, without the additional layer of surprise or exceptionality.
In usage, "rarely" might be more suitable in contexts that require a stronger expression of infrequency or remarkability. On the other hand, "seldom" could be perceived as more formal or literary.
"Rarely" can suggest a qualitative judgment about the event’s frequency, often used to emphasize its almost nonexistent occurrence. Seldom, on the other hand, does not necessarily imply this rarity but rather a straightforward observation about frequency.
"Rarely" finds frequent use in everyday conversation, offering a colloquial way to express infrequency. Conversely, "seldom" might appear more in written English or formal speeches, enhancing the language's formal tone.
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Comparison Chart
Frequency
Very low, almost none
Low but slightly more than rarely
Connotation
Surprise, exceptionality
Less emphasis on rarity
Usage context
More common in everyday speech
More formal, often literary
Implication
Strong emphasis on infrequency
Straightforward infrequency
Typicality
Less typical
More typical but still infrequent
Compare with Definitions
Rarely
Almost never.
Rarely do we see such courage in leadership.
Seldom
Almost never.
He seldom has free time.
Rarely
Not occurring often.
She rarely eats fast food.
Seldom
Not often; infrequently.
They seldom visit us these days.
Rarely
Exceptionally.
Rarely have I encountered such rudeness.
Seldom
Rarely occurring.
Seldom does the team play this well.
Rarely
Hardly ever; infrequently.
He rarely goes out on weekends.
Seldom
Hardly ever.
She seldom speaks about her experiences.
Rarely
Scarcely; barely.
The phenomenon is rarely observed in nature.
Seldom
Not commonly; rarely.
Such events are seldom seen.
Rarely
Not often; seldom
I rarely drive above 50 mph
Seldom
Not often; infrequently or rarely. See Usage Note at rarely.
Rarely
Remarkably well
You can write rarely now, after all your schooling
Seldom
Infrequent; rare
One of my seldom visits to the area.
Rarely
Not often; infrequently
"The truth is rarely pure and never simple" (Oscar Wilde).
Seldom
Infrequently, rarely.
They seldom come here now.
Rarely
In an unusual degree; exceptionally
"a rarely good judge of the best in modern literature" (Frank Harris).
Seldom
(archaic) Rare; infrequent.
Rarely
With uncommon excellence
"You can write rarely now, after all your schooling" (George Eliot).
Seldom
Rarely; not often; not frequently.
Wisdom and youth are seldom joined in one.
Rarely
Not occurring at a regular interval; seldom; not often.
We rarely go to the theatre.
Rarely do you ever find an eagle this far up the river.
Seldom
Rare; infrequent.
Rarely
Unusually well; excellently.
Seldom
Not often;
We rarely met
Rarely
To a rare degree; very.
Rarely
In a rare manner or degree; seldom; not often; as, things rarely seen.
Rarely
Finely; excellently; with rare skill. See 3d Rare, 2.
The person who played so rarely on the flageolet.
The rest of the apartments are rarely gilded.
Rarely
Not often;
We rarely met
Common Curiosities
Can "rarely" imply a qualitative judgment?
Yes, "rarely" often carries an implication of exceptionality or notable infrequency.
Are there contexts where one should prefer "seldom" over "rarely"?
Yes, in formal writing or when a less emphatic term for infrequency is needed, "seldom" may be preferred.
Is "seldom" more formal than "rarely"?
Yes, "seldom" is considered more formal and is more common in literary or formal contexts.
Can "rarely" and "seldom" be used interchangeably?
Yes, they can often be used interchangeably, though "rarely" may carry a stronger emphasis on rarity.
Which is more emphatic, "rarely" or "seldom"?
"Rarely" is generally more emphatic, emphasizing the rarity of an event.
Can 'rarely' or 'seldom' be modified for emphasis?
Yes, both can be modified with adverbs like "very" or "quite" to increase emphasis, as in "very rarely" or "quite seldom."
Which word is easier to use for non-native speakers?
"Rarely" might be easier for non-native speakers due to its more frequent use in spoken English and media, making it more familiar.
Does 'seldom' carry a stronger historical or literary heritage?
Yes, "seldom" has a stronger historical and literary heritage, often found in classical literature and historical texts.
Is 'seldom' considered archaic?
While "seldom" is not necessarily considered archaic, it is less commonly used in everyday speech compared to "rarely," giving it a more formal or old-fashioned flavor.
What type of speech is 'seldom' more common in?
"Seldom" appears more often in formal contexts, such as academic writing or literary works, due to its slightly more formal tone.
Can 'rarely' and 'seldom' be found in similar contexts?
While both can be used to express infrequency, their usage tends to differ based on formality and emphasis, with "rarely" being more common in casual contexts and "seldom" in more structured or formal writing.
Are there synonyms for 'rarely' and 'seldom' that carry different nuances?
Yes, synonyms like "infrequently" or "occasionally" can be used, but each carries its own nuance; "infrequently" emphasizes the low frequency without the surprise element of "rarely," and "occasionally" suggests a slightly higher frequency than "seldom."
What type of speech is 'rarely' more common in?
"Rarely" is more common in conversational English, used frequently in daily speech due to its straightforward nature.
How do the connotations of 'rarely' and 'seldom' affect their usage?
The connotations of "rarely" as more emphatic and surprising influence its use in contexts requiring emphasis on the rarity of an event, whereas "seldom" is used where a more understated tone is appropriate.
Are there any grammatical differences in how 'rarely' and 'seldom' are used?
Both adverbs generally follow the same grammatical rules, but "seldom" might sometimes be used in a more formal or structured manner, particularly at the beginning of sentences.
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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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
