scarcely

[ˈskɛəsli]

scarcely Definition

• 1. only just; almost not
• 2. used to emphasize that something is unlikely or barely the case

Using scarcely: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "scarcely" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I had scarcely enough money to pay for the ticket.

• Example

  Scarcely a day goes by when I don't think of her.

• Example

  He had scarcely finished speaking when the phone rang.

scarcely Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for scarcely

• hardly
• barely
• just
• only just
• almost not

Antonyms for scarcely

• easily
• readily
• abundantly

Phrases with scarcely

• scarcely believe your eyes/ears

  to be very surprised by what you see or hear

  Example

  I could scarcely believe my ears when she told me the news.

• scarcely have time to breathe

  to be extremely busy and have very little free time

  Example

  Since starting her new job, she has scarcely had time to breathe.

• scarcely more than

  only slightly more than

  Example

  The temperature was scarcely more than freezing.

Origins of scarcely

from Old French 'escars', meaning 'barely enough'

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Summary: scarcely in Brief

The adverb 'scarcely' [ˈskɛəsli] means 'only just' or 'almost not'. It is used to emphasize that something is unlikely or barely the case. Examples include 'I had scarcely enough money to pay for the ticket,' and 'Scarcely a day goes by when I don't think of her.' Phrases include 'scarcely believe your eyes/ears,' and 'scarcely have time to breathe.'