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

  1. Barely as an adverb (degree):

    By a small margin.

  2. 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."

  3. Barely as an adverb (archaic):

    merely.

  1. Scarcely as an adverb (modal):

    Probably not.

    Examples:

    "One could scarcely find any trout in the stream without the stocking program."

  2. Scarcely as an adverb (modal):

    Certainly not.

    Examples:

    "One could scarcely expect the man to know how to fly a helicopter."

  3. Scarcely as an adverb (degree):

    Almost not at all; by a small margin.