infrequence

infrequence

The infrequence of his visits made each one a special occasion.

Definition

Noun: - Rarity or uncommon occurrence: "infrequence" refers to the state or quality of happening seldom, not often, or at widely spaced intervals. It denotes a low frequency of occurrence.

Usage Examples
  • (The rarity of earthquakes here is notable.)
  • (His visits are very rare.)
  • (Rainfall occurs seldom.)
Advanced Usage
  • "with infrequence": used adverbially to describe something done rarely.
    • She attended the meetings with such infrequence that no one remembered her. (She attended very rarely.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Infrequency (noun): a more common variant of "infrequence," meaning the same thing.
    • The infrequency of the train service is a major inconvenience. (The trains run rarely.)
  • Infrequent (adjective): occurring seldom or not often.
    • He makes infrequent trips to the city. (He goes to the city rarely.)
  • Infrequently (adverb): in a rare or seldom manner.
    • She infrequently checks her email. (She checks it rarely.)
Synonyms
  • Rarity: the state of being rare or uncommon.
    • The rarity of such a gem makes it priceless. (The gem is very uncommon.)
  • Scarcity: insufficiency or shortage of something.
    • The scarcity of water during the summer is a problem. (Water is in short supply.)
  • Uncommonness: the quality of not being usual or frequent.
    • The uncommonness of this bird species delights birdwatchers. (The bird is rarely seen.)
Related Idioms
  • Once in a blue moon: an idiom meaning very rarely, similar to "infrequence."
    • He visits his hometown once in a blue moon. (He visits very infrequently.)
  • Few and far between: describing events or things that occur rarely and are scattered.
    • Good opportunities in this field are few and far between. (They are infrequent.)