Hardly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hardly
[ˈhɑːrdli ]
Definitions
in a difficult manner
With great difficulty or effort; barely. Used to emphasize a minimal degree of quantity, frequency, intensity, etc.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hardly |
Used when something is almost not happening or true, indicating a very small degree. It often has a negative connotation.
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| barely |
Used to show that something is true or possible, but just by a small margin. It sometimes can imply difficulty.
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| scarcely |
Used similarly to 'hardly', indicating that something is almost not true or possible. It has a formal tone and a negative connotation.
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| just |
Used to indicate something happened recently, is happening now, or will happen soon. Can also imply 'almost not' or 'exactly'.
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| only |
Used to signify a limited amount or to emphasize something is the sole case. It often restricts the scope of a statement.
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Examples of usage
- He could hardly walk after the long journey.
- I can hardly hear you, speak up!
almost not
Almost not at all; scarcely.
Synonyms
almost not, barely, nearly, scarcely.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hardly |
Identical to the first instance, use 'hardly' in similar minimal or almost non-occurring situations.
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| almost not |
This phrase is used to imply that an action or state very nearly did not happen. It is often used in more informal contexts.
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| scarcely |
Use 'scarcely' to show that something is very rare or almost not happening. It often has a negative nuance.
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| barely |
Use 'barely' to show that something is happening but just by a very small margin. It usually carries a sense of minimal achievement or threshold.
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| nearly |
Use 'nearly' to indicate that something was close to happening, but did not fully occur.
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Examples of usage
- I hardly know her, we've only met once.
- They hardly ever go out in the evenings.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Linguistics
- In English grammar, 'hardly' is an adverb that often modifies verbs, describing an action that is done minimally.
- It frequently causes confusion because it implies the opposite of what it seems; for instance, 'I can hardly wait' means you are eager, not actually unable to wait.
- It forms antiphrasis, where the conveyed meaning is opposite to the literal interpretation, showcasing the complexity of English expressions.
Cultural Use
- In literature, 'hardly' is often used to create emphasis around an uncertainty or a limitation of ability.
- The phrase 'hardly working' has become a popular idiom, especially in workplace cultures, humorously suggesting one is not doing much.
- It's a common term in song lyrics and poetry, conveying feelings of longing or deprivation.
Psychology
- 'Hardly' can reflect cognitive biases such as scarcity thinking, where individuals focus on what they lack rather than what they possess.
- Using 'hardly' can impact social interactions, where expressing limited availability can lead to feelings of urgency or desperation in conversations.
- It often invokes empathy in communication, as it suggests a degree of struggle or limitation in the speaker's situation.
Pop Culture
- 'Hardly' has appeared in numerous famous quotes and catchphrases in TV shows and movies, often highlighting someone's dramatic reaction.
- Social media influencers sometimes use 'hardly' to sarcastically describe lavish lifestyles, creating humor around the concept of minimal effort.
- The term features in various song titles, depicting themes of minimal love or light-hearted disappointment.
Origin of 'hardly'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English, where 'heard' meant strong or firm, combined with the suffix '-ly' meaning in a certain manner.
- It was first recorded in English around the late 14th century, evolving in usage over time.
- The word has been used to represent a sense of something being done with difficulty, emphasizing scarcity.
The adverb 'hardly' originated from the Middle English word 'hardli', which meant 'with difficulty'. Over time, the meaning evolved to also include 'scarcely' or 'almost not'. The usage of 'hardly' has been recorded in English literature for centuries, dating back to the 14th century. It has remained a common adverb in modern English, used to indicate a minimal degree or almost non-existent quantity.
See also: hard, hardball, harden, hardening, harder, hardliner, hardness, hardship, hardships, hardware, hardy.