rarity
C1Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
The quality of being very uncommon or infrequent.
A thing or person that is unusual or uncommon; specifically, a valuable object that is uncommon.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can refer to both a concrete object (a rare item) and an abstract quality (the state of being rare).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major usage differences; spelling is consistent.
Connotations
In collecting contexts (stamps, coins), it strongly implies high value due to scarcity.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects; slightly higher in written contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
rarity of + NOUN (the rarity of such events)be + a rarity (He is a rarity in his field.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as rare as hen's teeth”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe limited-edition products or scarce resources affecting market value.
Academic
Used in statistical, historical, or scientific writing to discuss infrequent phenomena.
Everyday
Used to comment on something seldom seen or experienced.
Technical
In collectibles (numismatics, philately), a formal grading term denoting extreme scarcity.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Snow is a rarity where I live.
- Finding a parking space here is a real rarity.
- The rarity of this stamp makes it very valuable.
- Honest politicians can be a rarity these days.
- Due to its extreme rarity, the manuscript was kept in a climate-controlled vault.
- The study highlighted the increasing rarity of certain bird species in the region.
- The auction house specialised in items of such rarity that they appeared on the market only once in a generation.
- His combination of technical skill and artistic vision is a rarity in contemporary architecture.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Rarity rhymes with 'clarity' – think of the clear, obvious fact that something is very hard to find.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCARCITY IS VALUE (The rarer something is, the more precious it becomes).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'редкость' when referring to a person's unusual quality; 'редкий человек' might sound odd. Use 'unusual person' or 'rare individual'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'rarity' as a countable noun for abstract quality (e.g., 'He has a rarity of mind' – better: 'He has a rare mind').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'rarity' most likely to have a precise, technical meaning?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can describe both objects (a rare coin) and abstract qualities or states (the rarity of the event).
Often yes, as scarcity can increase value or desirability, but it can be neutral (statistical rarity) or negative (rarity of essential resources).
'Scarcity' often relates to insufficient supply for demand (economics). 'Rarity' emphasizes uncommonness, often with a sense of specialness or value.
Yes, it is idiomatic. e.g., 'A teacher with his patience is a rarity.'
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