early 15c., "thinness;" 1550s, "fewness," from Middle French rarité or directly from Latin raritas "thinness, looseness of texture; fewness," from rarus (see rare (adj.1)). Sense of "a rare thing or event" is from 1590s.
权威例句
1. Sontag has always been that rarity, a glamorous intellectual.
桑塔格一直是那种兼具美貌与智慧的人中龙凤。
2. It was a real prize due to its rarity and good condition.
因为稀有并且品相完好,它价值连城。
3. Flowering plants were making their first appearance, but were still a rarity.