rarely

adverb

rare·​ly ˈrer-lē How to pronounce rarely (audio)
1
: not often : seldom
2
: with rare skill : excellently
3
: in an extreme or exceptional manner

Examples of rarely in a Sentence

She rarely talks about her past. Rarely do we see this kind of weather in our area. Only rarely is surgery necessary to treat this condition.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This stands in contrast to mid-market private equity transactions, where minority investors rarely face personal guarantees. Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 Here’s How to See Them Next Time On May 10 and 11, an unusually strong geomagnetic storm allowed people around the world to view the northern lights at latitudes where they’re rarely seen, from Florida to Spain. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Dec. 2024 This happens because emotions directly impact productivity, yet emotional management is rarely discussed in productivity conversations. Israa Nasir, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024 The choice still has to be approved at House Democrats' full caucus meeting – though steering picks are rarely rejected in those votes. Andrew Solender, Axios, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rarely 

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rarely was in 1549

Dictionary Entries Near rarely

Cite this Entry

“Rarely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rarely. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

rarely

adverb
rare·​ly ˈra(ə)r-lē How to pronounce rarely (audio)
ˈre(ə)r-
: not often : seldom

More from Merriam-Webster on rarely

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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