scarcely
Definition of scarcely
1a : by a narrow margin : only just had scarcely rung the bell when the door flew open — Agnes S. Turnbullb : almost not could scarcely see for the fog
2a : certainly not could scarcely interfereb : probably not there could scarcely have been found a leader better equipped — V. L. Parrington
From the M-W Editors
Examples of scarcely in a Sentence
He could scarcely control his joy.
Scarcely a day goes by when they don't see or talk to each other.
He had scarcely enough money.
This is scarcely a time to laugh.
I could scarcely tell them they were wrong.
First Known Use of scarcely
14th century
SCARCELY Defined for English Language Learners
scarcely
Definition of scarcely for English Language Learners
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: almost not at all
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: by only a small amount of time, space, etc.
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: certainly not
SCARCELY Defined for Kids
scarcely
Definition of scarcely for Students
1 : only just : barely They had scarcely enough to eat.
2 : certainly not I could scarcely tell him he was wrong.
Learn More about scarcely
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scarcely Spanish Central: Translation of scarcely Nglish: Translation of scarcely for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of scarcely for Arabic speakers
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