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Usage of rare, sparse or scarce



 
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Meaning of "run through" | What is the pronunciation of 2 x 10-8?
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Usage of rare, sparse or scarce #1 (permalink) Wed Jul 09, 2008 6:34 am   Usage of rare, sparse or scarce
 

Please help me to choose the right answer in this sentence.
Her daughter is of .... beauty.
a. rare
b. sparse
c. scarce
d. all are correct
Thanks a lot.
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Usage of rare, sparse or scarce #2 (permalink) Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:52 am   Usage of rare, sparse or scarce
 

.
How about trying yourself first? Hint: Is the girl beautiful?
.
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Usage of rare, sparse or scarce #3 (permalink) Wed Jul 09, 2008 15:30 pm   Usage of rare, sparse or scarce
 

Oh, I think this sentence means the girl has a great beauty and very few people are more beautiful than her.
"Rare" is just concerned with the frequency of action or occasion. "Sparse" just describes the density. So the answer can't be a, b or d. I think the answer is c.
What do you think about it?
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Usage of rare, sparse or scarce #4 (permalink) Wed Jul 09, 2008 15:53 pm   Usage of rare, sparse or scarce
 

I think the answer would be "rare" because both "scarce" and "sparse" give an idea of lack. So, i think her beauty is rare because it is uncommon.
that is my opinion.
let's hear a 3rd one.
thanks.
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Usage of rare, sparse or scarce #5 (permalink) Wed Jul 09, 2008 15:56 pm   Usage of rare, sparse or scarce
 

Well, I think I'll take it into consideration.
Anyway, thank you very much, Abraaocoutinho!
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On earth there is nothing great but man, in man there is nothing great but mind.
Sophie
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Joined: 26 Mar 2008
Posts: 110
Location: Vietnam

Usage of rare, sparse or scarce #6 (permalink) Wed Jul 09, 2008 22:51 pm   Usage of rare, sparse or scarce
 

.
'Rare' is indeed the answer. Here, 'rare' = 'marked by an uncommon quality; especially superlative or extreme of its kind ("What is so rare as a day in June-J.R.Lowell")'.
.
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Usage of rare, sparse or scarce #7 (permalink) Thu Jul 10, 2008 3:30 am   Usage of rare, sparse or scarce
 

Well, thank you.
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