seldomly

Seldomly is an adverb that means infrequently or rarely. In contemporary English, it is unusual and often regarded as nonstandard or archaic; speakers and writers typically choose seldom or rarely instead. The form is more likely to appear in older literature, regional speech, or stylistic writing aimed at a historical tone.

Usage notes: Seldomly functions like other adverbs of frequency, modifying a verb. Because seldom already covers infrequency, adding -ly can be perceived as redundant or awkward. Therefore, most editors prefer rarely or seldom in modern prose, except when a historical or rhetorical effect is intended.

Etymology and history: The base adjective and adverb seldom derives from Old English seld, meaning rare or infrequent. The -ly form would attach to seldom to create an adverb meaning “in a seldom manner,” but today seldomly is rarely used; many dictionaries label it as archaic, obsolete, or nonstandard.

Examples: Modern, standard usage: They seldom visit the city. She rarely attends meetings. Nonstandard or archaic usage: They seldomly visited the city.