Scarcely - English Definition & Meaning

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Definition

Scarcely means "barely" or "hardly." It indicates a minimal amount or degree. It suggests that something is rare or infrequent. Unlike "abundantly," it implies a lack or shortage. It is similar to "hardly" and "barely." "Scarcely" often emphasizes the limited nature of something.

Etymology

"Scarcely" comes from the Old North French word "escarcement," which meant "sparingly" or "niggardly." This reflects the idea of something being limited or in short supply.

Related Words

Examples

  • "There was scarcely enough room for everyone."
  • "She scarcely recognized him after all those years."
  • "We scarcely had time to eat."
  • "Scarcely a day goes by without rain."

Anecdote / Story

Imagine a dystopian novel where resources are scarce. The characters 'scarcely' have enough food, water, or medicine to survive. This emphasizes the harsh conditions and the constant struggle for survival.

Encouragement

"Scarcely" is a useful word for highlighting the rarity or limited availability of something. Use it to add emphasis and detail to your descriptions and stories. Try to incorporate it into your vocabulary! 👍

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