As an adverb of manner [often difficult to distinguish from the adverb of degree]: (a) with difficulty, not without effort, not easily; swithe (wel) ~, with great difficulty; (b) unreadily, reluctantly, with hesitation; (c) in negative constructions: without difficulty, easily.

As an adverb of degree or an intensive: hardly, scarcely, barely: (a) modifying the verb in a specific predication; also, cook. lightly [quot. a1450]; wel ~, hardly at all, just barely; (b) modifying an adv. or adj. expression of quantity or the duration of time; (c) modifying an adv. or adj. expression of a state or condition.

As an adverb of degree or an intensive in temporal contexts: (a) modifying the verb in a predication of habitual or generalized action: hardly ever, seldom, rarely; also with omission of verb [quot. a1425]; ?also, in some instances, hardly even [quot. a1475]; (b) modifying the verb in a main clause accompanied by a temporal subordinate clause: ~…whanne (tho, that, ther, but, er), hardly (had one event occurred) when (a second event occurred); also with redundant negation in temporal clause [1st quot.]; also with omission of subordinating word [quot. a1382].

As an adverb of degree or an intensive in negative constructions: (a) virtually, almost; wel ~, very nearly; (b) never…~, never (do sth. but) just (do sth. else) [could also be construed as sense 1.(a)]; (c) but (…) ~, except (…) only.