Finding the Opposite Word for 'Rare'

The question asks us to find the word which is opposite in meaning to the word 'rare' from the given options. The word 'rare' is underlined in the sentence: "The museum is full of rare and precious statues."

Let's understand the meaning of the word 'rare'.

• Rare: Something that is not found in large numbers and is therefore unusual or special. It means uncommon or scarce.

Now let's look at the meanings of the given options:

• 1. Common: Found or done often; not rare. Usual.
• 2. Unique: Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else. This is similar in meaning to 'rare' in some contexts, as something unique is also uncommon.
• 3. Ancient: Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence. This relates to age, not how often something is found.
• 4. Uncommon: Not common; unusual. This is a synonym for 'rare', not an opposite.

We are looking for the opposite of 'rare'. Based on the meanings, 'rare' means uncommon, unusual, or scarce. The opposite of something that is uncommon or unusual is something that is found often or is usual.

Comparing the options, the word that means 'not rare' or 'found often' is 'Common'.

Therefore, the opposite of 'rare' is 'common'.