seldom
UK[ˈsɛldəm]US[ˈsɛldəm]
adv
On only a few occasions; not often; rarely.
Etymology
The word 'seldom' originates from the Old English adjective 'seldan', meaning "rare, unusual". This Old English term is itself derived from the Proto-Germanic selda-, a root conveying the sense of "strange, rare, wonderful". The semantic core has consistently been one of infrequency or uncommonness. Over time, its grammatical function shifted from an adjective to an adverb, solidifying its modern role of describing an action that occurs on very few occasions.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Old English origin. It is not productively formed from separable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
She seldom goes to the cinema, preferring to watch films at home.
He is a man of few words and seldom expresses his feelings openly.
Such opportunities for advancement come very seldom in one's career.