American English

How to pronounce rarely

adverbB1Common word
REHRlee

/ˈɹɛɹ.li/

2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

not often; on only a small number of occasions

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

adverb

not often; on only a small number of occasions

I rarely eat breakfast.

She is rarely late for work.

Good to know

Put rarely before a main verb, but after be.

Common phrases & grammar

rarely used · rarely seen · rarely happens · rarely available

subject + rarely + main verb

subject + be + rarely + adjective

Useful expressions

rarely, if ever

almost never; perhaps never

He rarely, if ever, takes a vacation.

Related words & forms