Definition of "scarcely" in English

adverb

1. (modal) Probably not.

   • One could scarcely find any trout in the stream without the stocking program.

2. (modal) Certainly not, hardly at all.

   • One could scarcely expect the man to know how to fly a helicopter.

3. (degree) Hardly: only just; by a small margin.

   • Scarcely had she arrived when she was put to work.