The difference between Hardly and Scarcely
When used as adverbs, hardly means firmly, vigorously, with strength or exertion, whereas scarcely means probably not.
Hardly is also interjection with the meaning: not really.
check bellow for the other definitions of Hardly and Scarcely
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Hardly as an adverb (manner, obsolete):
Firmly, vigorously, with strength or exertion.
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Hardly as an adverb (manner, archaic):
Harshly, severely.
Examples:
"I can't really deal hardly with people."
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Hardly as an adverb (now, rare):
With difficulty.
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Hardly as an adverb (degree):
Barely, only just, almost not.
Examples:
"they hardly ever watch television;  I hardly think they'll come in this bad weather;  it's hardly possible he could lose the election."
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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.