scarcely

American  

[skairs-lee] / ˈskɛərs li /

adverb

1. barely; hardly; not quite.

   The light is so dim we can scarcely see.

2. definitely not.

   This is scarcely the time to raise such questions.

3. probably not.

   You could scarcely have chosen better.

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scarcely British  

/ ˈskɛəslɪ /

adverb

1. hardly at all; only just

2. ironic probably not or definitely not

   that is scarcely justification for your actions

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Usage

See hardly.

Related Words

See hardly.

Etymology

Origin of scarcely

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; scarce, -ly

Example Sentences

“The United States military is the strongest and most fearsome military on the planet, by far. With capabilities and skills, our enemies can scarcely begin to imagine.”

From Salon

From the European point of view, the outlook could scarcely be more gloomy.

From BBC

“For me it’s scarcely believable that the regime isn’t there anymore. It’s like losing a friend that I hate, just disappeared after 30 years.”

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s almost impossible today to comprehend how such ships seized the popular imagination during the vessels’ heyday, which began in 1848, lasted scarcely a decade and vanished as completely as the Great Auk.

From The Wall Street Journal

A theater can scarcely contain the love the audience develops for her, such is her determination and the righteousness of her quest.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• hardly
• rarely
• seldom