scrutinize the word 'rain'

[panicmonger]

If we scrutinize the context in which rain resides, we can see the difference.

1. I enjoy walking in the rain. (here rain must be preceded with 'the' because 'the rain' expresses a situation or condition which will drenchs the speaker)

2. We got caught up in rain without either raincoats or umbrellas. (here 'the' is not placed in front of rain because we didn't get drenched.)

Thank you very much.

 

[5jj]

I1. I enjoy walking in the rain. (here rain must be preceded with 'the' because 'the rain' expresses a situation or condition which will drenchs the speaker)

2. We got caught up in rain without either raincoats or umbrellas. (here 'the' is not placed in front of rain because we didn't get drenched.).

I'm afraid not.
'In the rain' is the more common expression. It means the same as 'in rain'.

 

[Rover_KE]

Just to add to 5jj's answer, there's nothing to indicate whether or not you got drenched or only a bit wet.

Rover

 

[Tdol]

2. We got caught up in rain without either raincoats or umbrellas. (here 'the' is not placed in front of rain because we didn't get drenched.)

Isn't it quite likely that they did get drenched as they had no protection?

 

[Raymott]

Isn't it quite likely that they did get drenched as they had no protection?

It's always hazardous without protection, but we don't know how heavy it got.