Definitions
- Describing a situation where something is barely possible or almost not happening. - Referring to a situation where something is difficult or challenging to do. - Talking about a situation where something is done with great effort or struggle.
- Describing a situation where something is almost not happening or barely possible. - Referring to a situation where something is in short supply or limited in quantity. - Talking about a situation where something is rare or unusual.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe situations that are almost not happening or barely possible.
- 2Both words are used as adverbs to modify verbs or adjectives.
- 3Both words convey a sense of limitation or scarcity.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Hardly is more commonly used in everyday language than scarcely.
- 2Meaning: Hardly emphasizes difficulty or struggle, while scarcely emphasizes rarity or limited availability.
- 3Connotation: Hardly can have a negative connotation, while scarcely is more neutral.
- 4Formality: Scarcely is slightly more formal than hardly.
- 5Position: Hardly is often used at the beginning of a sentence, while scarcely is more flexible in its position.
Remember this!
Hardly and scarcely are synonyms that describe situations that are almost not happening or barely possible. However, hardly emphasizes difficulty or struggle, while scarcely emphasizes rarity or limited availability. Hardly is more commonly used in everyday language and can have a negative connotation, while scarcely is slightly more formal and neutral in tone.
