Definition

Almost not or hardly; used to describe something that happens to a very small degree or is barely the case.

Example

We scarcely made it to the meeting on time.

Conversation

Did you see the game last night?

I did! It was so close, we scarcely won in the last minute.

I thought we would lose for sure.

Same here! I could scarcely believe how it ended.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Scarcely is formed from "scarcus" (from Old French *escarc*, meaning rare or insufficient) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "scarcely" means in a manner that is rare or insufficient, indicating something that is hardly or barely present.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'rare' or 'insufficient' — that's what 'scarcely' means, indicating that something is hardly there.

Visually Confused Words