hardly

Definition

Barely, only just, almost not.

Etymology

From Middle English hardely, hardliche, from Old English heardlīċe (“boldly; hardily; without ease; in a way that causes pain; not easily; only by degrees”), equivalent to hard + -ly. Compare Dutch hardelijk, German härtlich.

Example Sentences

• "They hardly ever watch television."
• "It's hardly possible he could lose the election."
• "Hardly did I arrive when he left."