rarely
SayRAIR-lee/ˈɹɛəɹli/UK/ˈɹɛːli/
- 1Not often, only once in a while.
Like seeing a shooting star: it does happen, but only now and then.
She rarely eats meat anymore.
We rarely see snow in this part of the country.
Similarseldom, infrequently, hardly
Oppositeoften, frequently, usually, always
Note
- 2In a very good or excellent way.
The choir sang rarely, better than they ever had before.
She had cooked the dinner rarely, and every guest asked for more.
Similarexcellently, superbly, splendidly, finely
Note
- 3Very, or to an unusual degree. It makes a describing word stronger.
She is a rarely gifted singer, the best in our town.
It was a rarely sweet apple, the best he had ever tasted.
Similarunusually, remarkably, exceptionally, uncommonly, extraordinarily
Note
Practice
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Origin
From the word "rare" plus the ending "-ly."