rarely

American  

[rair-lee] / ˈrɛər li /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of rarely

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

Example Sentences

Before the twentieth century, the names of young, unmarried women rarely appeared in print.

From Literature

As a teenager, she said, she rarely posted photos of herself without filters to change parts of her appearance that she didn’t like.

From The Wall Street Journal

Major bottoms are rarely quiet events: They are marked by heavy participation as some people cut their losses and others try to scoop up bargains.

From Barron's

Then there is the battle with Swansea Council, who were rarely mentioned today.

From BBC

Baker said that net equity flows to the U.S. have rarely been this strong.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• barely
• hardly
• infrequently
• seldom