scarcely
[adverb]
Synonyms:
- hardly, barely
- definitely not, hardly

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Related Idioms: just barely, only just

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

scarce‧ly /ˈskeəsli $ ˈsker-/ adverb

1. almost not or almost none at all Synonym : hardly:
The city had scarcely changed in 20 years.
The country had scarcely any industry.
He scarcely ever left the region.
can/could scarcely do something
It was getting dark and she could scarcely see in front of her.
scarcely a day/year/moment etc
Scarcely a day goes by when I don’t think of him.

2. only a moment ago Synonym : hardly, barely:
He had scarcely sat down when there was a knock at the door.

3. definitely not or almost certainly not Synonym : hardly:
Early March is scarcely the time of year for sailing.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

scarcely
adverb
BAD: He sends them money but scarcely goes to see them.
GOOD: He sends them money but rarely goes to see them.

Usage Note:
When you are talking about frequency, use rarely (= almost never): 'Since she moved to Glasgow, we rarely see each other.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲