rarity

rarity — noun

1. the fact that something exists in very small numbers or happens very infrequentl

1.名詞B2
釋義

the fact that something exists in very small numbers or happens very infrequently, making it unusual or noteworthy.

例句

The rarity of the ancient manuscript made it extremely valuable to the museum.

the rarity of [something] as subject

Cole was surprised by the rarity of snowfall in that part of southern India.

同義詞
  • scarcity

    focuses more on limited supply than on the effect of being unusual

  • infrequency

    specifically about how rarely something happens, not about objects

  • uniqueness

    stronger — suggests there is only one of a kind

反義詞
  • commonness

    the state of being frequently found or seen

  • abundance

    large quantity, the opposite of scarcity

文法句型

the rarity of [something]

用法筆記

This uncountable sense emphasizes the state or degree of rareness. It is often followed by the preposition 'of' to specify what is rare. Do not use with a or an.

常見錯誤

❌The rarity of this flower are well known.
✅The rarity of this flower is well known.
💡'rarity' in this sense is uncountable and takes a singular verb.
❌This is a rarity of this disease among children.
✅The rarity of this disease among children is striking.
💡Do not use 'a' + 'rarity of'; use 'the rarity of' for this meaning.

2. an unusually uncommon person, object, or event that people consider especially i

2.名詞B2
釋義

an unusually uncommon person, object, or event that people consider especially interesting or valuable.

例句

James discovered that the old coin was a rarity, with only twelve like it known to exist.

[something] is a rarity — countable noun in predicate

Honest politicians who keep their promises are a rarity in any country.

同義詞
  • collector's item

    specifically something worthy of collecting, often with financial value

  • curiosity

    something unusual that arouses interest or wonder

  • oddity

    slightly more informal; emphasizes strangeness rather than value

反義詞

文法句型

[something] is a rarity

[something] is a real/true rarity

用法筆記

In this countable sense, 'rarity' refers to a specific rare item or person. It commonly follows the verb 'be' (is a rarity, are a rarity). The plural form 'rarities' is used when listing or referring to multiple rare things.

常見錯誤

❌This stamp is rarity.
✅This stamp is a rarity.
💡In the countable sense, always include the article a or an.
❌She collected many rarity.
✅She collected many rarities.
💡Use the plural form rarities when referring to more than one rare item.