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 Note

See hardly.

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

Sze scarcely tried to conceal his activities: He would often walk into branches carrying bags of cash.

From Los Angeles Times

The group, all now in their early eighties, reckon they've scarcely missed two dozen meet-ups since 1968.

From BBC

Carsley hoped his team would take control, but it scarcely looked like happening and Pavlidis took advantage of space inside the penalty area with a good finish.

From BBC

However, when the surprises drop in October - think Trump’s Access Hollywood tape or Hillary Clinton’s emails in 2016 - there is scarcely time left to recover or regain momentum after a misstep or bad news cycle.

From BBC

While the former first lady has been scarcely seen in public as of late, she remains a vital campaign operative as Trump struggles to garner the support of women voters in the 2024 elections.

From Salon

Related Words

• hardly
• rarely
• seldom