What does rarify mean?
Rarefify means to make something rare, uncommon, thinner, or less dense, and it can also mean to become progressively rarer. The verb is used in scientific contexts to describe reducing the density or concentration of a substance, as in a rarefied atmosphere, and in cultural or social contexts to describe a practice, taste, or form that becomes increasingly uncommon. The related adjective rarefied often carries a secondary implication of refinement, sophistication, or exclusivity, though it can also suggest that something is inaccessible to ordinary people. In a figurative sense, rarefy can describe the gradual narrowing of a tradition, language, or form of life until only a small number of people continue to use it. The word is more formal and less common than simplify, reduce, or limit, but it is especially useful when emphasizing the loss of density, frequency, or broad acceptance.
verbTo make something rare, uncommon, or less dense, or to become increasingly rare or uncommon. It can also refer to making something seem more exclusive or refined.
- To make something rare, scarce, or less common.
- To become rare or uncommon.
- To make something thinner or less dense, especially by removing particles or reducing concentration.
"The curator sought to rarefy the collection by removing less distinctive works."
"Increasing the altitude rarefied the air and made breathing difficult."
"The passage of time gradually rarefied a tradition that had once been universal."
"The editor rarefied the magazine's style by removing most of the colloquial expressions."
Rarefied describes what becomes less common—and, in cultural contexts, less accessible or more exclusive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rarify come from?
Rarefify was formed in the 17th century from rare, meaning scarce or uncommon, plus the suffix -ify, meaning to make or become. The adjective rare comes through Old French from Latin rarus, a word associated with sparseness, thinness, and unusual occurrence. The Latin root also underlies English rarity and rareness, which express the quality of being uncommon.
Related word forms
How rarify is actually used
Rarefied is relatively uncommon in general use but is especially familiar in descriptions of scientific atmospheres, formal or exclusive social settings, and increasingly selective cultural tastes. The related adjective rarefied can suggest refinement or exclusivity, and sometimes elitism.
Easily confused with rarify
Rarefy is a verb meaning to make something rare or less dense, whereas rarely is an adverb meaning not often.