Hardly ever Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hardly ever

[ˈhɑrdli ˈɛvər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

rarely

Almost never; very rarely. Used to emphasize the infrequency of an action or event.

Synonyms

infrequently, rarely, seldom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hardly ever	Used to indicate something that almost never happens, emphasizing its rarity to a strong degree. I hardly ever eat fast food He hardly ever calls his family
rarely	Suggesting something happens very seldom, but with a slightly less intense frequency than 'hardly ever.' He rarely goes to the gym They rarely see each other anymore
seldom	A more old-fashioned or formal way to say that something does not happen often. She seldom visits her hometown We seldom eat out these days
infrequently	Implying an action or event happens at irregular or sparse intervals; more formal than 'rarely.' She infrequently checks her email The train arrives infrequently in this rural area

Examples of usage

I hardly ever go to the gym.
She hardly ever eats fast food.
They hardly ever argue.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Language Use

The phrase emphasizes frequency, suggesting that while something may happen, it is not common.
Often used in conversational English to express disappointment or surprise about infrequent events.
Synonyms include phrases like 'seldom' or 'rarely,' which convey similar meanings in different contexts.

Pop Culture

The phrase has been quoted in songs and movies, often highlighting themes of longing or missed opportunities.
Humorous use of 'hardly ever' can be found in sitcoms, where characters exaggerate their behaviors to create comedic effect.
Quotes in contemporary literature often use this phrase to enhance the relatability of characters’ experiences.

Psychology

'Hardly ever' reflects cognitive biases where individuals perceive events differently based on personal experiences.
This phrase can indicate a person's emotional state, as frequent use may express a sense of frustration or fatigue.
From a social perspective, how one interprets 'hardly ever' can vary greatly based on cultural context and personal values.

Literature

In literature, authors often use 'hardly ever' to build tension or highlight contrasts between characters’ actions and their desires.
Many poets incorporate phrases like 'hardly ever' to create rhythm or to evoke emotions connected with absence or longing.
Classic novels frequently highlight mundane events with 'hardly ever' to enhance the impact of pivotal moments.

Origin of 'hardly ever'

Main points about word origin

The term combines 'hardly,' which means 'barely' or 'scarcely,' and 'ever,' referring to any time at all.
The phrase has been used in English literature since at least the late 19th century, capturing a sense of rarity.
Both words have Germanic roots, with 'hardly' stemming from Old English and 'ever' from Old Norse.

The phrase 'hardly ever' originated in the late 19th century as an intensification of the word 'hardly,' which means 'almost not.' It is commonly used in modern English to express the idea of something happening very rarely or almost never.