scarcely

[skairs-lee]

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.

scarcely

/ ˈskɛəslɪ /

adverb

1. hardly at all; only just

2. ironic,  probably not or definitely not

   that is scarcely justification for your actions

Usage

See hardly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarcely¹

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

Synonym Study

See hardly.

Example Sentences

The surfeit of description can scarcely conceal the deficit of insight.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Scotland players talked, and talked, and talked after sealing a place in the men's World Cup for the first time since 1998 with a scarcely believable 4-2 victory over group favourites Denmark.

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Svetlana’s face was transformed by the smile, and Penelope realized she was quite a young woman, scarcely older than Penelope herself.

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Penelope thought of the window seats at the Swanburne Academy, which were so full of embroidered pillows that one could scarcely find a place to sit and read.

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Lady Constance had never suggested a game to the Incorrigibles before; in fact, she scarcely spoke to the children at all if it could be helped, so they were not sure how to respond.

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Related Words

• hardly 
• rarely 
• seldom