Meaning & Definition of word "Scarcely"

Scarcely

/ˈskɛr.sli/

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.

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

scarcely believe:

To hardly be able to accept as true.

scarcely a:

Almost not a; very few.

scarcely enough:

Barely sufficient.

scarce:

In short supply; insufficient.

scarcity:

The state of being scarce or in short supply.

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.