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Definition of scantily

scantily

/ˈskæn.tə.li/
scan · ti · ly
Adjective:scanty
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scantily Lexical Profile

scantily Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner involving minimal or revealing clothing (almost always used with 'clad' or 'dressed').

Example

"The performers on the carnival float were scantily dressed despite the cool evening breeze."

2

In a way that is small or insufficient in quantity, extent, or degree; sparsely or meagerly.

Example

"The remote mountain valley remains scantily populated due to the harsh winter climate."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for scantily

Word Nuance & Usage

Most commonly encountered as a modifier before past participles such as 'clad' or 'dressed' (e.g., 'scantily clad') to describe someone wearing minimal clothing.

• Rhymes for scantily

• Nearby Words

scanner
scant
scanties
scantily
scantiness
scantness
scanty

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'scanty' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly', tracing back to Middle English 'scant' and Old Norse 'skammr' (meaning 'short' or 'brief').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scantily. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scantily
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