rare
Comparative
rarer
Superlative
rarest
1
happening infrequently or uncommon in occurrence
- Seeing a shooting star is a rare occurrence that fills people with wonder and awe.
- It's rare to find a vintage car in such pristine condition; it's like finding a needle in a haystack.
- The birth of albino animals is rare, as they have a genetic mutation that affects their pigmentation.
- Her talent for playing the theremin, an unusual instrument, is rare and highly admired by musicians.
- Finding a four-leaf clover is rare, but it's considered a symbol of good luck.
2
(of meat) cooked for a short time in a way that the flesh is still red inside
- He ordered his burger cooked rare, wanting it juicy with a red center.
- She prefers her duck breast cooked rare, with the skin crispy and the meat tender.
- The filet mignon was cooked rare, just enough to sear the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- She enjoys her steak cooked rare, with a warm red center and a seared crust on the outside.
- The restaurant specializes in rare cuts of premium-quality meat.
3
found only in small numbers so considered interesting or valuable
- The museum displayed rare artifacts from ancient civilizations, each considered priceless due to their scarcity.
- A rare species of orchid bloomed in the botanical garden, attracting visitors from around the world.
- His collection of rare stamps is valued highly because many of them are no longer in circulation.
- The auction featured a rare painting by the artist, one of only a few still known to exist.
4
(of air) containing little oxygen
- The rare air at the summit made it difficult for climbers to breathe without supplemental oxygen.
- At high altitudes, the rare air can cause dizziness and shortness of breath for those unaccustomed to it.
- Pilots must account for the effects of rare air when flying at high elevations, as it affects aircraft performance.
- The rare air in the mountains creates unique challenges for athletes during high-altitude training.
- The balloon ascended into the rare air, where atmospheric pressure was significantly lower.