hardly definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

hard·ly [ hrdlee ] CORE MEANING: an adverb with negative meaning, used to indicate that something is true or exists to a very minimal extent

She lived so privately, hardly anyone even spoke to her.

Though we hardly knew him, we could sense his good humour.

I looked out of the window; it was hardly raining.

adverb

Definition:

1. not: indicates that something is almost entirely untrue or impossible

We are hardly going to give up with success in view.

It's hardly likely that I would tell you.

2. only with difficulty: only with great awkwardness, difficulty, or embarrassment

I was so shocked I could hardly speak.

3. seldom: indicates that something seldom occurs ( used with a negative such as "without" )

Hardly a day passes without acclaim for this exciting new invention.

4. as soon as: indicates that one event follows quickly after another

Hardly had I rung the bell when the bolt was shot back.

5. used to disagree: used to indicate surprise, disagreement, or annoyance

"I thought you were going at about sixty miles an hour." "Well, hardly. Maybe forty."

Word Usage


	Hardly, like barely and scarcely, has a negative force, rendering unnecessary the use of another negative in the clause or sentence: I can [not can't] hardly see you. Note that when and not than is used in any continuation of the sentence: Hardly [or barely or scarcely] had I begun to speak when [not than] she interrupted me. (After no sooner, however, than is correct. No sooner had I begun to speak than [not when] she interrupted me.) Hardly is limited to these special uses; the usual adverb from the adjective hard is also hard: They are all working hard to get ready for their exams.