The difference between Barely and Scarcely
When used as adverbs, barely means by a small margin, whereas scarcely means probably not.
check bellow for the other definitions of Barely and Scarcely
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Barely as an adverb (degree):
By a small margin.
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Barely as an adverb (degree):
Almost not at all.
Examples:
"The plane is so far away now I can barely see it."
"Yes, it is barely visible."
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Barely as an adverb (archaic):
merely.
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Scarcely as an adverb (modal):
Probably not.
Examples:
"One could scarcely find any trout in the stream without the stocking program."
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Scarcely as an adverb (modal):
Certainly not.
Examples:
"One could scarcely expect the man to know how to fly a helicopter."
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Scarcely as an adverb (degree):
Almost not at all; by a small margin.