seldom
4 synonyms and 5 antonyms for seldom, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Not often; rarely.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
infrequently
hardly ever
scarcely ever
Antonyms
How to use seldom
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
seldom seen
seldom used
seldom if ever
Slightly more formal or literary than "rarely" or "hardly ever" in everyday speech.
Etymology
From Old English seldan, "seldom," related to German selten and Dutch zelden.
Full origin of seldom →Frequently asked questions
What does “seldom” mean?
The word “seldom” means not often; rarely. In plain terms, hardly ever; not very often.
How do you pronounce “seldom”?
“Seldom” is pronounced SEHL-duhm (/ˈsɛldəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “seldom” in a sentence?
Here is “seldom” used in a sentence: “She seldom eats out during the week.”
What part of speech is “seldom”?
“Seldom” is an adverb.
Where does the word “seldom” come from?
The word “seldom” comes from Old English. From Old English seldan, "seldom," related to German selten and Dutch zelden.
Is “seldom” a common word?
“Seldom” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between seldom and rarely?
Seldom and rarely are close synonyms, both meaning 'not often,' but seldom has a slightly more formal or literary tone, while rarely is used more frequently in everyday speech.
Where does seldom go in a sentence?
Seldom typically appears before the main verb, as in 'She seldom complains,' but it can also be placed at the start of a sentence for emphasis, triggering subject-verb inversion, as in 'Seldom does she complain.'
Is seldom a formal word?
Yes, seldom is somewhat more formal or literary than everyday alternatives like 'rarely' or 'hardly ever,' and it appears more often in writing than in casual conversation.
