rarely

[rair-lee]

adverb

1. on rare occasions; infrequently; seldom.

   I'm rarely late for appointments.

2. exceptionally; in an unusual degree.

3. unusually or remarkably well; excellent.

rarely

/ ˈrɛəlɪ /

adverb

1. hardly ever; seldom

   I'm rarely in town these days

2. to an unusual degree; exceptionally

3. dialect,  uncommonly well; excellently

   he did rarely at market yesterday

Usage

Since rarely means hardly ever , one should not say something rarely ever happens

Word History and Origins

Origin of rarely¹

First recorded in 1515–25; rare ¹ + -ly

Example Sentences

The Kings, meanwhile, rarely challenged Colorado’s Scott Wedgewood, playing tentatively and creating little offense, putting just nine shots on goal through the first 36 minutes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Especially in the seventh, when the Dodgers batted around, producing the kind of inning they rarely managed in the regular season, one that featured aggressive at-bats, smart baserunning and three two-out RBIs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But up until now, presidents rarely used it.

Read more on BBC

Getting such a phone call on a day off is rarely a good thing.

Read more on Salon

It's not the actual flu, and it's rarely serious.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• barely 
• hardly 
• infrequently www.thesaurus.com
• seldom