rarely

[rair-lee]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rarely¹

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

Example Sentences

It made the now 34-year-old the kind of person who religiously applies sunscreen multiple times a day and rarely leaves the house without a hat.

From BBC

A true rock ’n’ roll persona, the artist was once rarely seen without a drooping cigarette and a top hat, the latter of which could barely contain his face-engulfing curly hair.

From Los Angeles Times

But rarely is that actually the case, and that’s why the creeping demise of the editorial cartoon has left such a hole in our news consumption.

From Salon

Somehow, England have a mix of players that look exhausted at the end of a gruelling summer, and under-prepared for a format they rarely play.

From BBC

He said he did not speak to the five regularly, and even then, rarely about football.

From BBC

Related Words

• barely 
• hardly 
• infrequently www.thesaurus.com
• seldom