Meaning & Definition of word "Scarcely"

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    Scarcely

    /ˈskɛr.sli/

    adverb:

    • 1. Only just; almost not.
      • Example: I could scarcely believe my eyes when I saw the surprise.
    • 2. Hardly; barely.
      • Example: She scarcely had time to finish her homework before dinner.
    • 3. By a small amount; only just enough.
      • Example: He arrived scarcely a moment after the meeting started.
    • 4. With difficulty; only just.
      • Example: They could scarcely hear the music over the noise of the crowd.
    • 5. In very small quantities or amounts.
      • Example: There were scarcely any seats left in the auditorium.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old French 'escarcier', meaning 'to cut off'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    scarcely believe:

    To hardly be able to accept as true.

    scarcely a:

    Almost not a; very few.

    scarcely enough:

    Barely sufficient.

    Related Words

    scarce:

    In short supply; insufficient.

    scarcity:

    The state of being scarce or in short supply.

    Slang Meanings of scarcely

    Meaning: Hardly an issue.

    Example Sentence: That was scarcely a challenge for her.

    Meaning: Just about not.

    Example Sentence: I was scarcely awake during that lecture.