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    Guère (en. Hardly)

    /ɡɛʁ/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    adverb
    Refers to a very low or almost nonexistent quantity.
    There were hardly any people at the party.
    Il n'y avait guère de gens à la fête.
    Used to express contradiction or mitigation.
    I don’t know, but I hardly believe it.
    Je ne sais pas, but je ne le crois guère.
    Can also indicate a very limited need or desire.
    I hardly feel like going out tonight.
    J'ai guère envie de sortir ce soir.

    Etymology

    Uncertain origin, possibly from Old French 'guere', meaning hardly.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    hardly said
    Used to denote something infrequent.
    guère dit
    hardly better
    Means not being much better.
    guère mieux

    Related Words

    few
    Expression indicating a small quantity.
    peu
    hardly
    Indicates a very reduced amount.
    à peine
    quasi
    Indicates a close resemblance.
    quasi

    Slang Meanings

    Used to downplay a situation.
    It was hardly a pleasant experience.
    C'était une expérience guère sympathique.
    Refers to something practically nonexistent.
    There was hardly any light in the room.
    Il y avait guère de lumière dans la pièce.