hardly
UK: ˈhɑːdli | US: ˈhɑːrdli
adv. scarcely; barely (used to indicate minimal degree or likelihood)
adv. with difficulty or effort (archaic)
The word "hardly" originates from Old English "heardlice," combining "heard" (meaning "hard" or "severe") and the adverbial suffix "-lice" (equivalent to modern "-ly"). Initially, it meant "with physical or mental effort" (e.g., "he worked hardly"). Over time, the meaning shifted to emphasize scarcity or improbability ("he hardly works"), influenced by the semantic narrowing of "hard" as a marker of intensity. This evolution reflects a common linguistic pattern where adverbial forms of adjectives acquire nuanced, abstract meanings.
She could hardly believe her eyes when she saw the result.
There was hardly any food left after the party.
He spoke so quietly I could hardly hear him.
The old man walked hardly with his cane. (archaic usage)
It’s hardly surprising that they arrived late in such heavy traffic.