rara avis
Noun: A very unusual, uncommon, or exceptional person; a rarity. The term is Latin for "rare bird" and is used metaphorically in English to describe a person who is one of a kind or stands out from others due to their unique qualities, character, or abilities.
This term is used to describe a person who is remarkably different or scarce in comparison to the general population. It often carries a tone of admiration for the person's distinctive traits. - It is typically used as a countable noun. - It often appears in formal or literary contexts.
- In the world of honest politicians, he was considered a rara avis.
- A true pacifist in such a militant era was a rara avis.
- She is a rara avis among modern artists, completely unconcerned with fame or commercial success.
- The phrase is sometimes used in its original Latin form without italics in English texts, though italics are common.
- It can occasionally be applied to unique objects or situations, though its primary reference is to a person.
- The manuscript was a rara avis among the collection of common forgeries.
- Rarity (n): The state or quality of being rare. Can refer to a person or thing.
- His integrity made him a rarity in the corporate world.
- Nonpareil (n): A person or thing having no equal; peerless.
- As a violinist, she was a nonpareil.
- Exception
- Anomaly
- Oddity (can have a neutral or negative connotation)
- Unicorn (modern, informal metaphor for something highly desirable but scarce)
- One in a million: Used to describe an extremely rare and excellent person.
- A friend that loyal is one in a million.
- Diamond in the rough: A person with good qualities but lacking polish or education.
- The coach saw the raw athlete as a diamond in the rough.
"Rara avis" is a direct loan phrase from Latin. Its plural form is rarae aves, though it is rarely used in English. When describing multiple rare individuals, it is more common to use synonyms like "rarities" or to rephrase the sentence.
- a rare or unique person