rare etymology

Etymology

The word "rare" comes from the Latin word "rarus," which means thin, scattered, or uncommon. The term was first used in English in the 14th century to describe something that is scarce or unusual.

Meaning

The primary meaning of "rare" is not common or frequently encountered. It can also refer to something that is distinctive, unusual, or exceptional. In some contexts, "rare" can mean infrequently occurring or difficult to find.

Origin

• Proto-Indo-European root: re- (to spread out)
• Latin: rarus (thin, scattered)
• Old English: rǣre (uncommon, scarce)
• Middle English: rare (unusual, exceptional)

Examples of Usage

• The rainforest is home to many rare and endangered species.
• The painting is a rare find, as it is one of only a few remaining examples.
• It is a rare occurrence to see snowfall in June.
• The singer has a rare vocal talent that sets her apart from her peers.
• The antique furniture is a rare and valuable collectible.

Synonyms

• Uncommon
• Infrequent
• Unusual
• Exceptional
• Scarce

rare relate terms

• rear

  Etymology From Middle English rere from Old English rær the hindmost part of an army

• rise

  Etymology The word rise comes from the Old English verb rīsan which means to ascen

• rare

  Etymology The word rare comes from the Latin word rarus which means thin scattered

• flagellum

  Etymology The word flagellum comes from the Latin word flagellum which means whip

• rare

  Etymology The word rare comes from the Latin word rarus which means thin scattered

• fly by night

  Etymology The phrase fly by night originated in the 16th century English language It i

• crater

  Etymology The word crater is derived from the Greek word krater which means mixing

• idiosyncrasy

  Etymology Greek idios one s own special synkrasis mixture blend Meaning

• rarefy

  Etymology Latin rarus thin sparse Proto Indo European rewh₁ to tear scra

• rarefaction

  Etymology From Latin rarus thin sparse facere to make Meaning The grad

• extenuate

  Etymology Latin extenuare Meaning to make thin weaken Meaning Extenuate mean

• dependence

  Etymology The word dependence comes from the Latin word dependere which means to ha

• strange

  Etymology Strange Middle English strange from Old French estrange from Latin extra

• myriad

  Etymology The word myriad comes from the Latin word myrias which in turn derives fr

• denomination

  Etymology The term denomination originates from the Latin word denominare meaning t