rarefied

[ rair-uh-fahyd ]

adjective

1. extremely high or elevated; lofty; exalted:

   the rarefied atmosphere of a scholarly symposium.

2. of, belonging to, or appealing to an exclusive group; select; esoteric:

   rarefied tastes.

rarefied

/ ˈrɛərɪˌfaɪd /

adjective

1. exalted in nature or character; lofty

   a rarefied spiritual existence

2. current within only a small group; esoteric or exclusive
3. (of a gas, esp the atmosphere at high altitudes) having a low density; thin

Other Words From

• ultra·rare·fied adjective
• un·rare·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rarefied¹

First recorded in 1660–70; rarefy + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Along the way, Watkins would once again remind of the rarefied air she already occupies in women’s basketball.

From Los Angeles Times

We’ve come a long way since then, but in most countries health authorities still occupy rarefied ground.

From Salon

In the rarefied world of judges, that counts as a scolding.

From Seattle Times

It was that kind of rarefied air West navigated in thanks to a full life in basketball, the sport that tormented him so.

From Los Angeles Times

In the 18 years since her family left their home in New Jersey and stepped into some of the most rarefied circles in Washington, Martha-Ann Alito has never sought or cultivated a particularly public identity.

From New York Times

Related Words

• esoteric
• exalted
• lofty