Scarcely: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to indicate that something happens very rarely or to a minimal extent. Often implies that something is just enough or barely adequate.

• She had scarcely finished her meal when she had to leave.
• There is scarcely enough food for everyone.

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.

• She could barely see through the fog.
• They barely escaped the burning building.

Suggests something occurs very infrequently or minimally. Often used to emphasize that something is almost nonexistent.

• She hardly knew anyone at the party.
• I could hardly hear what he was saying.

Used when something nearly doesn’t happen or is almost nonexistent. It often suggests a situation that was very close to not occurring.

• He almost didn’t make it to the meeting.
• The pain was almost not noticeable.

Repeated word – refer to the first 'scarcely' for details.

Used when something is almost not true or almost not happening. It usually suggests a slight degree of the action taking place.

• I can hardly hear you
• She hardly ever goes out these days

Used to describe something that is just enough or almost not enough. It often implies that the situation is narrowly within the limits.

• He barely passed the exam
• We barely made it to the airport on time