hardly

4 definitions • 13 examples

only just; almost not:

can hardly I could hardly hear her at the back.

The party had hardly started when she left.

He hardly ate anything/He ate hardly anything.

hardly ever We hardly ever (= almost never) go to concerts.

Hardly had a moment passed before the door creaked open.

certainly not:

can hardly You can hardly expect a pay rise when you've only been working for the company for two weeks!

Well don't be angry with me - it's hardly my fault that it's raining!

only just or almost not:

Hardly a day passes that I don’t think about it.

You’ve hardly eaten anything.

Something is wrong with the phone – I can hardly hear you.

I can hardly wait for your visit.

We hardly ever see them anymore.

certainly not:

It’s hardly surprising that he was angry.