make more subtle or refined. make more subtle or refined Jack\\'s vulgar jokes were not so successful in the rarefied enviroment of college professors. **This word has other definitions but this is the most important one for the GRE. distant from the lives and concerns of ordinary people; esoteric. \\"rarefied scholarly pursuits\\" synonyms: esoteric, exclusive, select, private, cliquish; elevated, exalted, lofty \\"the academic or rarefied nature of much of their work\\" Definition of Rarefied relevant to only a select group Examples of Rarefied in a sentence The rarefied book was written in an ancient language that could only be read by a few linguists and historians. When the Olympian won his tenth gold medal, he joined a rarefied body composed of only a small number of athletes. Only a couple of audience members were not confused by the scientist\\'s rarefied concept. Because Ann and Ted were not used to staying in luxury resorts, they were baffled by some of the rarefied amenities offered to them. The singer is one of the few artists to reach the rarefied distinction of having fifteen number one hits.