The word "infrequency" is spelled /ɪnˈfriːkwənsi/. It comes from two root words: "in" meaning "not," and "frequency" meaning "the number of times something occurs within a given period of time." The consonant cluster "fr" is followed by a vowel, which can be challenging for some to pronounce. The final "cy" is spelled with a "c" rather than "s" because it is derived from the Latin "facere," meaning "to make," where "c" is pronounced as "s." Overall, the spelling of "infrequency" may seem complex, but understanding its roots and phonetic components can make it easier to remember.
Infrequency is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being rare, unusual, or occurring seldomly. It implies a lack of regularity, frequency, or common occurrence.
In terms of occurrence, infrequency suggests something is happening or seen only on rare occasions, or with very low regularity. It typically indicates a scarce or limited appearance of something within a specified period of time. For example, if a particular event happens infrequently, it means it does not occur often or regularly in comparison to other events of a similar nature.
Infrequency can also describe the rarity of an action or behavior, indicating that it is not typical or customary. It denotes a low frequency of occurrence for a specific action or behavior, usually outside the norm. For instance, a person expressing infrequent gratitude implies that their appreciation is not often displayed or expressed.
The term infrequency can be used in various contexts, including discussions about events, phenomena, behaviors, or patterns. It is commonly utilized to emphasize the unusual nature or lack of regularity of a subject, highlighting its relative scarcity or uncommonness. Overall, infrequency is a word used to describe something as being rare, uncommon, or sporadic, indicating an occurrence or behavior that is not the norm or regularly observed.
The state of occurring rarely; uncommonness.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "infrequency" is derived from the noun "frequency", which ultimately comes from the Latin word "frequentia". "Frequentia" means "a crowd, a throng, abundance" in Latin. The prefix "in-" in "infrequency" serves as a negation, indicating the opposite of frequent or abundance. Therefore, "infrequency" refers to the state or quality of being uncommon, rare, or not happening often.