scarcely

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Adverb 1.2.1 Usage notes 1.2.2 Synonyms 1.2.3 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ˈskɛəsli/
• (GenAm) IPA: /ˈskɛɹsli/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Hyphenation: scarce‧ly

[edit] Adverb

scarcely

1. (Can we verify⁽⁺⁾ this sense?) In a scarce manner.
2. (modal) Probably not.

   One could scarcely find any trout in the stream without the stocking program.

3. (modal) Certainly not.

   One could scarcely expect the man to know how to fly helicopter.

4. (degree) Almost not at all; by a small margin.

   The room was scarcely larger than a closet.

   • (A date for this quote is being sought): w:Baltasar Gracian (Philosopher)

     Nature scarcely ever gives us the very best; for that we must have recourse to art.

[edit] Usage notes

It is grammatically a negative word. It therefore collocates with ever rather than never.

• Compare We scarcely ever eat fish. with We almost never eat fish.

[edit] Synonyms

• (degree: by a small margin): barely, hardly

[edit] Translations