The difference between Only just and Scarcely
When used as adverbs, only just means recently, whereas scarcely means probably not.
check bellow for the other definitions of Only just and Scarcely
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Only just as an adverb:
recently; just now
Examples:
"I've only just cleaned the floor, and you've made muddy tracks!"
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Only just as an adverb:
barely; by only a small margin
Examples:
"I got 51%, so I only just passed the exam."
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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.