Hardly
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈhɑːdli/ · Part of speech adverb
Quick meaning: Hardly is an adverb meaning (degree) Barely, only just, almost not.
Meaning
(degree) Barely, only just, almost not.
More Meanings
- Certainly not; not at all.
- (now rare) With difficulty.
- (manner, dated) Harshly, severely; in a hard manner.
- (manner, obsolete) Firmly, vigorously, with strength or exertion.
- Not really.
Example Sentences
Hardly did I arrive when he left.
They hardly ever watch television.
I could hardly have managed it in less time.
It's hardly possible he could lose the election.
Word Forms
- hardlier
- hardliest
Synonyms for hardly
Depending on context, synonyms include barely, just, scarcely, scarce.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include barely, scarce, scarcely, just, hard, difficult.
Related Dictionary Tools
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Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.