rarefy

[rair-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

rarefied, rarefying 

1. to make rare or rarer; make less dense.

   to rarefy a gas.

2. to make more refined, spiritual, or exalted.

verb (used without object)

rarefied, rarefying 

1. to become rare or less dense; become thinned.

   Moisture rarefies when heated.

rarefy

/ ˈrɛərɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to make or become rarer or less dense; thin out

Other Word Forms

• rarefiable adjective
• rarefier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rarefy¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English rarefien, from Middle French rarefier, from Medieval Latin rārificāre, from Latin rārēfacere, equivalent to rārē-, irregular, unexplained combining form of rārus + facere “to make”; rare ¹, -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of rarefy¹

C14: from Old French raréfier , from Latin rārēfacere , from rārus _rare ¹ + facere to make

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

• attenuate