rarefied

[rair-uh-fahyd]

adjective

1. extremely high or elevated; lofty; exalted.

   the rarefied atmosphere of a scholarly symposium.

2. of, belonging to, or appealing to an exclusive group; select; esoteric.

   rarefied tastes.

rarefied

/ ˈrɛərɪˌfaɪd /

adjective

1. exalted in nature or character; lofty

   a rarefied spiritual existence

2. current within only a small group; esoteric or exclusive

3. (of a gas, esp the atmosphere at high altitudes) having a low density; thin

Other Word Forms

• ultrararefied adjective
• unrarefied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rarefied¹

First recorded in 1660–70; rarefy + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Bellingham's greater experience of the rarefied air of major competitions will surely just give him the edge when Tuchel names his team for England's first World Cup game.

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The ultrawealthy are wielding their growing fortunes to glide through a rarefied realm unencumbered by the inconveniences of ordinary life.

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That puts her in rarefied territory for a family doctor—most of whom are so harried they barely know their patients individually.

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While Moriarity possesses a rarefied level of wealth, she said her “superpower” is not measuring her lifestyle against others.

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In that rarefied setting, Freymond quickly made a name for himself.

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Related Words

• esoteric 
• exalted 
• lofty