What does rarest mean?
The word rarest is the superlative form of the adjective rare, which means extremely uncommon or infrequent. It is used to describe something that is of the highest degree of rarity, such as a rare species of plant or animal, a rare disease, or a unique work of art. Rarest is often used in formal or scientific contexts to convey a sense of exclusivity or scarcity. It can also be used to emphasize the exceptional nature of something, such as a rare opportunity or a rare talent. Overall, rarest is a useful word for describing something that is truly one-of-a-kind or exceptionally hard to find.
adjectiveThe superlative form of rare, meaning extremely uncommon or infrequent.
- Extremely uncommon or infrequent
- Of the highest degree of rarity
"The rarest species of orchid can only be found in this remote region."
"The rarest form of this disease affects only a handful of people worldwide."
"The artist's rarest works are highly prized by collectors."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of rarest
The word rarest originates from the Old French word 'rare', which is derived from the Latin 'rarus', meaning uncommon or infrequent. The superlative suffix '-est' was added to form the modern English word rarest. Cognates include the French 'rarissime' and the Spanish 'rarísimo'.
How rarest is actually used
Rarest is often used in formal or scientific contexts to describe something that is extremely rare or unique.