Dictionary
English - German

Scarcely

ˈskɛrsli
Extremely common
800 - 900
800 - 900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

kaum, gerade mal

Scarcely meanings in German

kaum

Example:
I could scarcely believe my eyes.
Ich konnte kaum meinen Augen trauen.
There was scarcely any food left.
Es war kaum noch Essen übrig.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Commonly used in written and spoken language to indicate a small amount or degree.
Note: Equivalent to 'hardly' or 'barely' in English.

gerade mal

Example:
He had scarcely enough money to pay the bill.
Er hatte gerade mal genug Geld, um die Rechnung zu bezahlen.
They had scarcely arrived when the phone rang.
Kaum waren sie angekommen, klingelte das Telefon.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to emphasize a small quantity or degree, often with a sense of immediacy.
Note: Can also be translated as 'barely' or 'just about' in certain contexts.

Scarcely's synonyms

barely

Barely means only just; almost not. It is used to indicate something is just within the limit or threshold.
Example: She barely had enough time to finish her assignment before the deadline.
Note: Barely is often used interchangeably with scarcely, but it may imply a slightly stronger emphasis on the closeness to the limit.

hardly

Hardly means almost not at all; scarcely. It is used to convey a sense of minimal or insignificant amount.
Example: He could hardly contain his excitement when he received the good news.
Note: Hardly is similar to scarcely but may sometimes imply a stronger sense of negation or disbelief.

rarely

Rarely means not often; seldom. It is used to indicate infrequency or scarcity.
Example: She rarely goes out on weekdays, preferring to stay home and relax.
Note: Rarely focuses more on the low frequency of an action or event rather than the close proximity to a limit.

Scarcely expressions, common phrases

Scarcely believe

To find something difficult to believe or comprehend.
Example: I could scarcely believe my eyes when I saw the surprise party they had organized for me.
Note: The emphasis is on disbelief or astonishment rather than just scarcity.

Scarcely possible

Something that is nearly impossible or extremely difficult.
Example: It is scarcely possible to finish the project on time without additional resources.
Note: Highlights the extreme difficulty or unlikelihood of the situation.

Scarcely enough

Just barely sufficient or almost inadequate.
Example: There is scarcely enough food left for everyone to have a proper meal.
Note: Focuses on insufficiency or a shortage rather than just scarcity.

Scarcely noticeable

So slight or subtle that it is hardly detectable.
Example: The changes in the new version of the app are scarcely noticeable to the average user.
Note: Refers to something being difficult to perceive rather than just being scarce.

Scarcely used

Rarely used or hardly employed.
Example: The old machinery in the factory is scarcely used anymore due to the new technology.
Note: Indicates infrequent or minimal usage rather than just being scarce.

Scarcely scratch the surface

To have only begun to understand or explore a subject or issue.
Example: We have only started our research, so far we have scarcely scratched the surface of the topic.
Note: Goes beyond the literal meaning of scarcity to imply a lack of depth or thoroughness.

Scarcely a cloud in the sky

Used to describe a clear or cloudless sky with very few clouds.
Example: It's a beautiful day with scarcely a cloud in the sky.
Note: Utilizes 'scarcely' to emphasize the almost complete absence of clouds.

Scarcely everyday (slang) expressions

Just about

Just about is used to indicate something happened very close to not happening or almost didn't occur.
Example: I just about managed to finish my assignment at the last minute.
Note: Just about implies a narrow margin, similar to scarcely.

Seldom

Seldom means not often; rarely. It conveys the idea of something happening with significant gaps in between occurrences.
Example: We seldom have guests over for dinner.
Note: Seldom highlights the uncommon nature of an event rather than the closeness to not happening.

Scantily

Scantily means in a limited or minimal way. It is used to describe something that is lacking in quantity or detail.
Example: The company provided scantily detailed information about the new policy.
Note: Scantily emphasizes the inadequacy or insufficiency rather than the extreme scarcity.

Mere

Mere means no more than; only. It signifies a small amount or degree, emphasizing the minimal nature of something.
Example: It took a mere 5 minutes to complete the task.
Note: Mere highlights the smallness or insignificance rather than the closeness to not happening.

Scarcely - Examples

Scarcely had I arrived home when the phone rang.
Kaum war ich zu Hause angekommen, als das Telefon klingelte.
She could scarcely believe her eyes when she saw the view from the top of the mountain.
Sie konnte kaum ihren Augen trauen, als sie die Aussicht vom Gipfel des Berges sah.
Scarcely a day goes by without him thinking about his lost love.
Kaum vergeht ein Tag, an dem er nicht an seine verlorene Liebe denkt.

Scarcely grammar

Scarcely - Adverb (Adverb) / Adverb (Adverb)
Lemma: scarcely
Conjugations
Adverb (Adverb): scarcely
Syllables, Separation and Stress
scarcely Contains 2 syllables: scarce • ly
Phonetic transcription: ˈskers-lē
scarce ly , ˈskers (The red syllable is stressed)

Scarcely - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
scarcely: 800 - 900 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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