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 Word Forms

• 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

But he could not survive for long in the rarefied air at the summit of the sport, and the team sank even quicker than it rose.

From BBC

In the more rarefied reaches of this coterie world, the mainstream embrace of “Topdog/Underdog” implied selling out.

From Los Angeles Times

For now, Torres has already transcended her previous celebrity status to enter a rarefied echelon as part of Brazil’s collective consciousness in a new way.

From Los Angeles Times

Sometimes, his eccentric, loose storytelling style can dampen the impact of the rarefied emotions he’s after.

From Los Angeles Times

Jack talks about talent not being enough in the rarefied air of Premier League football.

From BBC

Related Words

• esoteric
• exalted
• lofty