Scarcely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
scarcely
[หskษษsli ]
Definitions
in a negative sense
Only just; almost not. Used to suggest that something is unlikely or not the case.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scarcely |
Used to indicate that something happens very rarely or to a minimal extent. Often implies that something is just enough or barely adequate.
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| barely |
Indicates that something happens to a very small degree or is only just enough. It's often used when the situation is just above a certain threshold.
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| hardly |
Suggests something occurs very infrequently or minimally. Often used to emphasize that something is almost nonexistent.
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| almost not |
Used when something nearly doesnโt happen or is almost nonexistent. It often suggests a situation that was very close to not occurring.
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Examples of usage
- I had scarcely put the phone down when it rang again.
- She could scarcely believe her eyes when she saw the mess.
- He had scarcely enough money to pay for the bus.
in a formal sense
As much as possible; very little.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scarcely |
Repeated word โ refer to the first 'scarcely' for details. |
| hardly |
Used when something is almost not true or almost not happening. It usually suggests a slight degree of the action taking place.
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| barely |
Used to describe something that is just enough or almost not enough. It often implies that the situation is narrowly within the limits.
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Examples of usage
- He was scarcely able to contain his excitement.
- They had scarcely started eating when the phone rang.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Classic literature often uses the term to enhance dramatic situations, indicating a lack or minimal presence.
- Famous authors like Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf employed the word to evoke emotions of desperation or longing.
- In poetry, 'scarcely' can create a pang of sadness, emphasizing absence or loss within a verse.
Psychology
- Studies show that when people describe their experiences as 'scarcely' occurring, it can indicate heightened emotional states.
- Using this word can reflect cognitive biases where individuals focus only on the few times something did not happen.
- The word is linked to feelings of scarcity, which can affect mental health by increasing anxiety or fear of loss.
Everyday Usage
- 'Scarcely' is often used in conversation to emphasize the rarity of an event, like 'I scarcely go out these days.'
- In common phrases, it's paired with words like 'ever' or 'anyone', enhancing the tone of disbelief or surprise.
- Many native speakers use it to describe situations that are not just unlikely but almost impossible.
Pop Culture
- The term appears in song lyrics to highlight feelings of loneliness or infrequency in relationships.
- Film dialogue frequently includes 'scarcely' to reflect characters' doubt or disbelief about a situation.
- It can invoke a sense of drama and intensity in political speeches by emphasizing rare occurrences that affect society.
Origin of 'scarcely'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'scars', which means 'rare' or 'scarce'.
- It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'skarsaz', which also means 'scarce' or 'sparse'.
- Over time, 'scarcely' evolved from meaning rare to its current use of indicating something that almost does not happen.
The word 'scarcely' originated from the Middle English word 'scarsly', which evolved from the Old French word 'escars' meaning 'barely'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The adverb 'scarcely' has been commonly used in literature, particularly in formal and narrative contexts, to convey a sense of limitation or insufficiency.
See also: scarcity.