hardly: Meaning and Definition of

hard•ly

1. only just; almost not; barely: We had hardly reached the lake when it started raining. hardly any; hardly ever.
2. not at all; scarcely: That report is hardly surprising.
3. with little likelihood: He will hardly come now.
4. forcefully or vigorously.
5. with pain or difficulty.
6. harshly or severely.
7. hard.