seldom

Everyday

1. Not often; rarely: We seldom see snow here. tree →
2. «Seldom, if ever» means almost never. tree →

In the lessons

A slightly formal word in books and exam passages; in speech people say «hardly ever» or «not often». In maths and data problems, an event that seldom happens has a low chance or probability. In stories: «The old man seldom left his house». Phrases: «seldom if ever», «very seldom», «seldom seen».

Examples

• It seldom rains in the desert. tree →
• We seldom eat out because it costs a lot. tree →
• Owls are seldom seen in the day. tree →
• Snow is seldom, if ever, seen in this town. tree →
• He seldom forgets his homework. tree →
• A seldom event has a low chance of happening. tree →
• Very seldom does she miss a match. tree →
• Old Anthony seldom spoke of this place, but he thought of it all the more. tree →

Note

Adverb; usually goes before the main verb: «I seldom go». It already means «not often», so do not add «not». In formal style it can start a sentence with inverted order: «Seldom have I seen…». Similar: rarely, hardly ever. Opposite: often.

In Jewish tradition

Rarely, not often.

Interpretation. Proverbs is read as practical advice that even friendship needs some distance, so a neighbor does not tire of you.

Examples

• Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbour's house; lest he be sated with thee, and hate thee. (Writings PRO.25.17, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adverb; usually goes before the main verb: «I seldom go». It already means «not often», so do not add «not». In formal style it can start a sentence with inverted order: «Seldom have I seen…». Similar: rarely, hardly ever. Opposite: often.