Definition

Almost not; to a very small degree or extent.

Example

I could hardly see anything in the dark.

Conversation

Did you catch the game last night?

I did, but I could hardly see the screen because of the glare.

Yeah, that can be so frustrating!

Definitely, I hardly enjoyed it with all those distractions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hardly is formed from "hard" (from Old English "heard", meaning firm or solid) and "-ly" (a suffix used to form adverbs). The word "hardly" means in a manner that is firm or solid, often implying a sense of difficulty or scarcity.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'firm' or 'solid' ('hard') and how it can be difficult to achieve or find, which is what 'hardly' conveys.

Visually Confused Words