Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
à peine. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
à peine, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
à peine in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
à peine you have here. The definition of the word
à peine will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
à peine, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
French
Etymology
Inherited from Vulgar Latin *ad poenam. Compare Italian appena, etc.
Pronunciation
Adverb
à peine
- barely, scarcely, hardly
- Il y a à peine trente personnes au concert ce soir. ― There are barely thirty people at this evening’s concert.
- À peine avait-il achevé ces paroles qu’une voiture s’arrêta devant la porte. ― Scarcely had he finished his words, when a car pulled up at the door.
- Nous avons à peine fait connaissance. ― We've only just met.
Usage notes
See also