B2adverbformallanguage
US/ˈskers.li/
UK/ˈskeəs.li/
almost not at all, or only just
In context
I could scarcely believe the news when she told me.
There was scarcely any food left after the party.
Scarcely had we arrived when the rain started.
Words that go with scarcely
adverb + verb
- scarcely believeI scarcely believe what I am seeing.
- scarcely anyThere is scarcely any time left.
- scarcely everHe scarcely ever takes a day off.
- scarcely hadScarcely had she sat down when the phone rang.
adverb + adjective
- scarcely noticeableThe scar is scarcely noticeable now.
- scarcely possibleIt is scarcely possible to finish by Friday.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I don't scarcely know him.Correct: I scarcely know him.
Incorrect:
Scarcely we had arrived when it rained.Correct: Scarcely had we arrived when it rained.