hard
ly
1
to a very small degree or extent
- She hardly knew him, yet she agreed to help.
- The instructions were hardly clear enough to follow.
- There's hardly any milk left in the bottle.
- he issue was hardly addressed in the initial stages of the discussion.
- She hardly noticed the subtle changes in the room's decor.
2
barely at a particular time in the past
- The movie had hardly begun when the lights went out.
- He had hardly walked in the door when the phone rang.
- I had hardly finished my sentence when she interrupted.
- The train had hardly left the station before it broke down.
- They had hardly sat down when dinner was served.
3
with great difficulty or effort; barely able to do something
- After the accident, he could hardly move his leg.
- She was so nervous, she could hardly speak.
- He was so tired, he could hardly keep his eyes open.
- They could hardly carry the heavy load up the stairs.
- The child was coughing so badly, he could hardly breathe.
Synonyms:
4
in disagreement or disbelief
- You think that was a good idea?I hardly think so.
- He said it was my fault, I hardly see how.
- You call that clean?I hardly agree.
- I hardly think she meant to insult you.
- You say it's a fair deal?I hardly believe that.
5
used to indicate that something is unreasonable, unexpected, or inappropriate
- It's hardly the moment to argue about money.
- You can hardly expect him to work for free.
- She's hardly the best person to judge others.
- It's hardly fair to blame them for your mistake.
- He's hardly qualified to speak on the issue.
6
used to describe an action done with severity or cruelty
- The king judged the rebels hardly.
- They were punished hardly for the smallest mistakes.
- The law treated debtors hardly in those days.
- He spoke hardly to the child, causing her to cry.
- The winter treated the crops hardly, leaving few survivors.