Raramente

Raramente is an Italian adverb that expresses low frequency, equivalent to “infrequently” or “seldom” in English. It is used to describe actions or events that occur with little regularity and can modify the verb or the entire clause.

Etymology and form: The adverb is derived from the adjective raro, meaning “rare,” and is formed with the suffix -mente, following the standard Italian pattern for turning adjectives into adverbs. The term has Latin roots in rarus, meaning sparse or scarce.

Usage and placement: Raramente typically appears after the verb, or after an auxiliary verb, for example: “Vado al cinema raramente.” or “Raramente si verifica una situazione del genere.” It can also be placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, as in “Raramente, devo ammettere, mi è successo.” The expression is neutral and appropriate in both spoken and written Italian, though in very formal contexts some speakers prefer alternatives such as di rado.

Synonyms and contrasts: Common synonyms include di rado and poco spesso. Antonyms include spesso, frequentemente, and regolarmente. The choice among them can convey slight differences in tone or emphasis, with raramente often signaling a milder or more formal sense of infrequency.

See also: The concept of frequency adverbs in Italian, and related terms describing time or occurrence.