scarcely Definition
- 1only just; almost not
- 2used 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
Phrases with scarcely
Example
I could scarcely believe my ears when she told me the news.
Example
Since starting her new job, she has scarcely had time to breathe.
Example
The temperature was scarcely more than freezing.
Origins of scarcely
from Old French 'escars', meaning 'barely enough'
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.'