Rare & Common Vocabulary

present, appearing, or found everywhere

“Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern life.”

intended for or understood by only a small number

“The esoteric subject attracted few students.”

understood by few; mysterious or secret

“The arcane rituals were known only to initiates.”

of or occurring every day; ordinary

“She found beauty in quotidian activities like cooking.”

lacking interest or excitement; dull

“The mundane tasks of daily life bored him.”

lacking inspiration or excitement; dull

“The pedestrian writing failed to engage readers.”

having the style of prose; lacking poetic beauty

“His prosaic description missed the magic of the moment.”

not unusual; ordinary

“Such incidents have become commonplace.”

widespread in a particular area or at a particular time

“Smartphones are prevalent among teenagers.”

spreading widely throughout an area or group

“A pervasive sense of anxiety gripped the nation.”

native and restricted to a certain place

“The species is endemic to this island.”

little known; abstruse

“His recondite knowledge impressed the scholars.”

difficult to understand; obscure

“The abstruse theory confused most readers.”

distant from the lives of ordinary people

“He moved in rarefied circles of high society.”

unique; in a class of its own

“Her artistic style is sui generis.”

deviating from what is standard or normal

“The anomalous result prompted further investigation.”

exceptionally good or great; remarkable

“It was a singular achievement in the field.”

never done or known before

“The pandemic caused unprecedented disruption.”

having no parallel or equal; exceptional

“Her talent is unparalleled in the industry.”

unequaled; unrivaled

“His peerless craftsmanship commanded premium prices.”

occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places

“Sporadic fighting continued despite the ceasefire.”

occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady

“The intermittent rain didn't stop the parade.”