Definition of "hardly" in English

adverb

1. (degree) Barely, only just, almost not.

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

2. Certainly not; not at all.

   • I hardly think they'll come in this bad weather!

3. (now rare) With difficulty.

   • And what gentle flame soever doth warme the heart of young virgins, yet are they hardly drawne to leave and forgoe their mothers, to betake them to their husbands […].

4. (manner, dated) Harshly, severely; in a hard manner.

5. (manner, obsolete) Firmly, vigorously, with strength or exertion.

   • Let him hardly be possest with an honest curiositie to search out the nature and causes of all things […].

interjection

1. Not really.

   • I think the Beatles are a really overrated band. ― Hardly!