Meaning & Definition of word "Scarcely"
to
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.