Dictionary
scarcely
adverb scarce·ly
: almost not at all
: by only a small amount of time, space, etc.
: certainly not
Full Definition 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 <there could scarcely have been found a leader better equipped — V. L. Parrington>
See scarcely defined for English-language learners
See scarcely defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of SCARCELY
14th century
Related to SCARCELY
- Antonyms
- considerably, significantly, substantially, vastly, well
SCARCELY Defined for Kids
scarcely
adverb scarce·ly \ˈskers-lē\
Definition of SCARCELY for Kids
1
: only just : barely <They had scarcely enough to eat.>
2
: certainly not <I could scarcely tell him he was wrong.>
Learn More About SCARCELY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: scarcementPrevious Word in the Dictionary: scarce All Words Near: scarcely
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up scarcely? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).