Seldom Meaning: Definition, Usage, Synonyms, and Examples

Have you ever heard the word “seldom” and wondered what it means? It is a simple word that can make your English sound more natural. Seldom is an adverb. It tells us how often something happens.

People use seldom to say something does not happen very often. It is like saying rarely or hardly ever. Learning this word helps you speak and write better English.

In this article, we will explore the meaning, synonyms, antonyms, grammar rules, and examples of seldom. By the end, you will know exactly how to use it in your sentences.

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What Does Seldom Mean?

The word seldom means rarely or not often. It shows that something happens very few times.

• Part of Speech: Adverb
• Formal Definition: “Not happening often; infrequent.”
• Simple Definition: “Something that happens only once in a while.”

Example Sentences:

1. She seldom eats junk food. (She rarely eats junk food.)
2. He is seldom late to school. (He hardly ever arrives late.)
3. We seldom watch TV. (We almost never watch TV.)

Notice that seldom comes before the main verb in a sentence.

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Synonyms of Seldom

Synonyms are words that have a similar meaning. Here are some common synonyms of seldom:

1. Rarely – happens only a few times.
   • She rarely goes to the park.
2. Hardly ever – almost never happens.
   • He hardly ever drinks coffee.
3. Occasionally – happens now and then, but not often.
   • We occasionally visit our grandparents.
4. Infrequently – not frequent; happens sometimes.
   • The bus stops infrequently at this station.

Using synonyms can make your writing or speaking more interesting.

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Antonyms of Seldom

Antonyms are words with the opposite meaning. The opposite of seldom is words that show something happens often:

1. Often – happens many times.
   • She often goes to the gym.
2. Frequently – happens regularly.
   • He frequently visits the library.
3. Regularly – happens at fixed intervals.
   • We meet regularly every Monday.
4. Commonly – happens usually.
   • It is commonly found in this area.

Understanding antonyms helps you see the contrast and use words correctly.

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Grammar and Usage Notes

Using seldom correctly is easy once you know a few rules.

1. Placement in a Sentence:
   • Usually comes before the main verb.
   • Example: She seldom eats sweets. (Not: She eats seldom sweets.)
2. Formal vs. Informal Usage:
   • Seldom is more formal than rarely.
   • You can use it in writing, essays, or professional speaking.
3. In Negative Sentences:
   • Do not use seldom with another negative word like “not.”
   • ❌ Wrong: She does not seldom go out.
   • ✅ Correct: She seldom goes out.
4. Literary Use:
   • Authors often use seldom in stories or books to show rarity.
   • Example: The old house was seldom visited by strangers.

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Usage in Sentences

Here are more examples to help you understand seldom:

1. He seldom speaks in class because he is shy.
2. I seldom eat fast food, but I love pizza.
3. My parents seldom watch TV; they read books instead.
4. It seldom rains in this desert town.
5. She seldom forgets her homework.

Tips for remembering:

• Think of seldom as the opposite of often.
• Replace it with rarely in your mind to check if it fits.

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Seldom in Writing and Speaking

Using seldom can make your English sound more polished and formal.

• In Writing: Helps you describe rare events, habits, or actions.
  • Example: The museum is seldom crowded in the morning.
• In Speaking: Adds variety to your speech and avoids overusing “rarely” or “hardly ever.”
  • Example: I seldom go out on weekdays.

Common Mistakes:

1. Using “seldom” with “never” or “not”
2. Placing “seldom” at the end of a sentence (except in literary style)

Correct usage improves your grammar and style.

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Common Expressions and Phrases with Seldom

1. Seldom seen, seldom heard – someone who is quiet and private.
   • He is seldom seen, seldom heard, but very kind.
2. Seldom fails – something almost always works.
   • This recipe seldom fails.

Cultural Usage:

• British English often uses seldom in formal writing or literature.
• American English speakers may prefer rarely in casual conversations.

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Conclusion

The word seldom is simple but powerful. It tells us that something happens rarely. By learning seldom, its synonyms, antonyms, and grammar rules, you can speak and write English more clearly.

Remember:

• Seldom = rarely
• Place it before the main verb
• Use it in formal or literary contexts

FAQs

1. What is the meaning of seldom?

• Seldom means rarely or not often.

2. How is seldom used in a sentence?

• Place it before the main verb: She seldom eats fast food.

3. Is seldom formal or informal?

• Seldom is more formal. Use it in writing, speeches, and literature.

4. What is the difference between seldom and rarely?

• Both mean not often, but seldom is slightly more formal and literary.

5. Can “seldom” be used at the end of a sentence?

• Rarely. Usually, it comes before the main verb. It may appear at the end in poetic or literary style.