Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!) Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about Seldom (AI summary)

The term "seldom" is frequently used to accentuate infrequency or exception in literary contexts. It serves to mark actions or qualities that occur rarely, thereby imbuing a sense of uniqueness and measured cadence to the narrative. For instance, in historical prose it emphasizes that certain conditions or behaviors hardly ever recur, as when bravery is noted as hardly needing encouragement ([1]) or peace is described as a rare state over Europe ([2]). In character descriptions, it suggests traits of exceptional merit or peculiarity, such as the unique self-sacrifice of a heroine ([3]) or a speech pattern that speaks volumes about a person’s reserve ([4]). Even in works addressing natural phenomena and technical observations, the word conveys that occurrences are not only infrequent but noteworthy ([5], [6]). This careful usage across diverse contexts highlights the power of "seldom" to subtly reinforce the rarity and distinctiveness of people, actions, and moments.
  1. Gregorius said it was seldom necessary to encourage him to show bravery, and it should not be so now.
    — from Heimskringla; Or, The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway by Snorri Sturluson
  2. Peace seldom reigns over all Europe, and never in all quarters of the world.
    — from On War by Carl von Clausewitz
  3. The self-sacrifice of Cecilia reveals a pure and womanly character, very seldom equalled, never surpassed.
    — from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
  4. Seldom he smiles; and smiles in such a sort As if he mock’d himself and scorn’d his spirit That could be mov’d to smile at anything.
    — from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
  5. It seldom flowers, but when it doth, it is in July.
    — from The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper
  6. Meaning not hesitate , the infinitive alone ( 2169 ). quīn seldom follows this meaning.
    — from A Latin Grammar for Schools and Colleges by George Martin Lane

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Compound Your Joy