Rarely vs Poorly - What's the difference?

As adverbs the difference between rarely and poorly

is that rarely is not occurring at a regular interval; seldom; not often while poorly is in a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort.

As an adjective poorly is

ill, unwell, sick.

rarely

English

Adverb

(en adverb)

Not occurring at a regular interval; seldom; not often.

We rarely go to the theatre.

Rarely do you ever find an eagle this far up the river.

Unusually well; excellently.

To a rare degree; very.

*, II.32:

others speake very honourably of his life and death, and in all other circumstances declare him to have beene a most excellent and rarely virtuous man.

Usage notes

It is grammatically a negative word. It therefore collocates with ever rather than never. * Compare We rarely ever go to the theatre.'' with ''We almost never go to the theatre.

Synonyms

* barely * hardly * infrequently * once in a while * seldom * sporadically * scarcely

Antonyms

* frequently, usually, often

References

* * English frequency adverbs

poorly

English

Adverb

(en adverb)

In a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort.

to live poorly

With little or no success; indifferently; with little profit or advantage.

to do poorly in business

Meanly; without spirit.

* Dryden

Nor is their courage or their wealth so low, / That from his wars they poorly would retire.

Without skill or merit.

He plays tennis poorly .

Usage notes

* Adjectives to which "poorly" is often applied: planned, conceived, executed, implemented, performing, managed, controlled, designed, represented, differentiated, suited, built, dressed, soluble, ventilated, known, paid, etc.

Adjective

(-)

ill, unwell, sick

Synonyms

* See also