knappt
hardly
När något nästan inte händer eller bara precis räcker till.
Definition & meaning
Knappt is an adverb that primarily carries two related meanings:
- Scarcely / Hardly: It indicates that something is barely the case, or that a condition is only just fulfilled. It often implies a narrow margin. For example, "Vi hann knappt med tåget" (We barely made the train).
- Not quite / Almost not: It is used to describe an amount or a quantity that does not reach a certain level or is slightly less than expected. For example, "Det räcker knappt till alla" (It is hardly enough for everyone).
Grammar & Word origin
Knappt is the adverbial form of the adjective knapp , which means "scarce," "meager," or "tight."
In Swedish grammar, adjectives that end in a consonant typically add a "-t" to become adverbs (similar to adding "-ly" in English). The word shares a common Germanic root with the English word "knap" (as in knapsack) or "knap" (meaning a small hill or protrusion), relating to things that are constrained, limited, or squeezed.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Näppeligen (hardly/scarcely)
- Knappast (hardly/most likely not)
- Brådtom (often used in contexts where time is scarce)
- Nästan inte (almost not)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Det fanns knappt några sådana böcker kvar i hyllan.adverb
There were hardly any such books left on the shelf.
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