Seldom Meaning

UK /ˈsɛldəm/
US /ˈsɛldəm/
Word Definition
seldom meaning

Seldom Definition & Usage

adverb

Referring to something that happens infrequently or rarely.

Examples

  • "She seldom goes to the movies, preferring to stay at home."
  • "He seldom eats dessert, but when he does, he enjoys it immensely."
  • "We seldom see such a beautiful sunrise in the city."
  • "The team seldom loses, making them the champions year after year."
  • "Seldom do we encounter such a level of professionalism in this industry."

Cultural Context

The word 'seldom' comes from Old English 'selden,' meaning 'rarely.' It is considered a formal or somewhat old-fashioned term compared to more common alternatives like 'rarely' or 'hardly ever.' Despite its older roots, it remains in use today, particularly in written or literary contexts.

The Rare Visit

Story

The Rare Visit

In a small village surrounded by rolling hills, there lived an old woman named Eliza who was known for her rare visits to town. Seldom did she leave her cottage, except for the most important reasons. Every year, she made a single journey into the village square to buy the ingredients for her famous apple pie, which she would bake and send to the orphanage. The villagers had grown accustomed to her infrequent presence, and some even started to wonder if she was a figment of their imagination. One autumn morning, when the sun was just beginning to rise, the village was abuzz with excitement. It had been years since Eliza had spoken to anyone, and whispers spread that she would finally visit the market. Mary, the baker’s daughter, had heard the news and couldn’t contain her curiosity. She hurried to the square, hoping to catch a glimpse of the woman who was as rare as a comet. As Eliza walked slowly through the cobblestone streets, her presence seemed to bring the whole village to a standstill. 'You’ve certainly made an appearance,' Mary exclaimed, unable to hide her astonishment. Eliza smiled faintly, 'Seldom do I leave my home, but this year, I had a reason.' The two women chatted briefly as they walked to the bakery, where Eliza bought the apples and sugar she needed for her pie. As she handed over the money, she added with a chuckle, 'Seldom do I indulge in such treats, but I make an exception for the children.' That day, the village was filled with the aroma of freshly baked pie, and Eliza’s rare visit reminded everyone of the beauty of simple traditions. Though the old woman seldom came to town, her visits were always cherished and remembered for years to come.

The Rare Visit