Rarest
'rɛ(ə)rɪst
Definitions
Being the least common or most infrequent of its kind; existing or occurring in very small numbers or only occasionally.
'rɛ(ə)rɪst
Being the least common or most infrequent.
The rarest mineral on Earth is benitoite.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're collecting trading cards. The rarest card is the one you almost never see, the one everyone wants!
👶 For kids: It means something you don't see very often, like a special toy that only a few people have.
More Examples
He owns the rarest edition of that book.
The exhibit featured the rarest species of orchids.
How It's Used
"The rarest birds in the world are often found in remote locations."
"The rarest stamps can fetch a high price at auction."
"The eclipse was a truly rarest astronomical event to observe."
From Middle English rerest, a superlative of rare, from Old English rǣre ('rare, choice').
The word 'rarest' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially to describe things that were of high quality or value.
Memory tip
Think of a treasure chest with only a few special gems – they are the rarest.