scarcely
UK: ˈskeəsli | US: ˈskersli
adv. 1. only just; almost not (indicating minimal degree or frequency)
adv. 2. certainly not (used to deny emphatically)
The word "scarcely" derives from Middle English scarce (meaning "insufficient" or "rare"), which itself comes from Old North French escars (meaning "stingy" or "scanty"). The suffix -ly is a common adverbial ending in English, transforming the adjective "scarce" into an adverb. Over time, "scarcely" evolved to emphasize minimal occurrence or near-absence, often used to understate or negate a situation.
She had scarcely finished her meal when the phone rang.
He could scarcely believe his eyes when he saw the results.
There was scarcely any food left after the party.
"I scarcely think that’s a good idea," she replied dryly.
The village was so small it scarcely appeared on the map.