Definition

Adverb: - Not occurring often; seldom: This word describes something that happens rarely or at long intervals. It indicates a low frequency of occurrence.

Usage

The adverb "infrequently" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that an action or state is rare. - It typically appears before the main verb or after the verb "to be." - It is the formal or standard equivalent of "seldom" or "rarely."

Examples

• Modifying a verb:
  • She infrequently visits the city, preferring the quiet of the countryside.
  • Major software updates are released infrequently, usually once a year.
• Modifying an adjective:
  • Such opportunities are infrequently available to the general public.
• After the verb 'to be':
  • His appearances at public events are infrequently.

Advanced Usage

• "Not infrequently": This is a formal, literary device called litotes, where a negative is used to express a moderate positive. It means "fairly often" or "quite frequently," softening the statement.
  • In historical novels, anachronisms are not infrequently found by careful readers. (This means anachronisms are found quite often.)
  • [From Context]: "In your 1850 church you not infrequently find a dramatic contrast..." (This means you quite often find such a contrast.)

Variants and Related Words

• Infrequent (adjective): Not happening often; rare.
  • We have infrequent communication.
• Frequency (noun): The rate at which something occurs.
• Frequently (adverb): Often; regularly. (This is the direct antonym of "infrequently.")

Synonyms

• Seldom
• Rarely
• Occasionally (Note: "Occasionally" can imply a slightly higher frequency than "infrequently.")
• Sparingly

Antonyms

• Frequently
• Often
• Regularly
• Commonly

Related Phrases

• Once in a blue moon: An idiom meaning "very rarely."
  • He calls his parents once in a blue moon.
• Few and far between: An idiom meaning "rare and with much time between occurrences."
  • Job offers in that field are few and far between.

Adverb

1. not many times
   • in your 1850 church you not infrequently find a dramatic contrast between the sumptuous appointments of the building itself and the inhuman barrack-like living conditions in the church room