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!