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

And unlike with her insults, Bondi rarely has to check her notes before slobbering over the imaginary perfection of men who can boost her career.

Read more on Salon

When Biggs, who rarely appeared at the park, died in 2021, his real estate empire was fractured between his first wife, Charlotte, and his second wife, Loretta, further complicating the Bowl’s management.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She said cases "very rarely run smoothly and most have to wait several years before they get to trial".

Read more on BBC

The figures are likely to be a severe underestimation because boat passenger lists are rarely available.

Read more on Barron's

There’s no question they were politically motivated, and mortgage fraud is rarely prosecuted.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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