Words / A2

RAIR/reə/

Rare means not happening or found often: a rare bird, rare for this town, it is rare to see. Common is the opposite. Unusual is a close cousin. Rare steak means cooked very little — extra food sense. Do not write rear (the back) for rare, or raw (not cooked) unless you mean that food sense.

Meaning

Not happening or found very often.

Examples

• “Snow is rare in this part of the country.”
• “Clear skies in November are rare here.”
• “The museum has a rare map from the eighteenth century.”

Good to know

a rare bird / it is rare to. Opposite: common. Food extra: rare steak. Mix-up: rear.

Near in meaning

unusual

New