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Only just; almost not
- Definition of scarcely adverb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary scarcely adverb /ˈskeəsli/ /ˈskersli/ only just; almost not
Scarcely means ‘almost not at all’. It is quite formal. It usually comes in the normal mid position for adverbs (between the subject and the main verb, or after the modal verb or first auxiliary verb, or after be as a main verb): …
adverb. scarce· ly ˈskers-lē. Synonyms of scarcely. 1. a. : by a narrow margin : only just. had scarcely rung the bell when the door flew open Agnes S. Turnbull. b. : almost not. could scarcely see for the fog. 2. a. : certainly not. could scarcely interfere. b. : probably not.
Scarcely means ‘almost not at all’. It is quite formal. It usually comes in the normal mid position for adverbs (between the subject and the main verb, or after the modal verb or first auxiliary verb, or after be as a main verb): We scarcely had time to think and had to act immediately.
What does the adverb scarcely mean? There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the adverb scarcely , three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
adverb [ADVERB before verb] You can use scarcely to say that something is not true or is not the case, in a humorous or critical way. It can scarcely be coincidence.
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Though an ly adverb, scarcely is unusual in that it is not so much a descriptor of its root adjective as a synonym of the adverb form scarce. If you scarcely believe me, look it up for yourself!
