Meaning & Definition of word "Hardly"

Hardly

/ˈhɑːrdli/

adverb:

  • 1. Barely; only just; not quite.
    • Example: She hardly had time to finish her homework before dinner.
  • 2. To a very small degree; scarcely.
    • Example: He hardly knew anyone at the party.
  • 3. Used to indicate that something is unlikely or improbable.
    • Example: It was hardly surprising that they won the match.
  • 4. With difficulty; barely.
    • Example: After the accident, he could hardly walk.
  • 5. Expressing disbelief or negation.
    • Example: I could hardly believe my ears when she told me the news.

Etymology

From Middle English herdli, equivalent to hard + -ly.

Common Phrases and Expressions

hardly anyone:

Almost no one; very few people.

hardly a:

Used to indicate that something is not the case at all.

hardly believable:

Difficult to believe; not likely true.

Related Words

hard:

Firm; solid; not easily broken.

hardship:

Severe suffering or privation.

hardly ever:

Almost never.

Slang Meanings of hardly

Meaning: Very little; almost not at all.

Example Sentence: I hardly even care about it anymore.

Meaning: Used to emphasize a contradiction.

Example Sentence: A celebrity? Hardly!