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Question

Directions : In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Hard and Hardly

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2026 Maths Question Paper (13-Sep-2026)
The correct answer is
Hard means difficult to a great degree and Hardly means scarcely

Understanding Hard and Hardly Meanings

This question requires distinguishing the meaning of the words 'Hard' and 'Hardly'.

Analyzing 'Hard'

'Hard' can function as both an adjective and an adverb.

  • As an adjective, it means difficult or tough (e.g., "a hard task").
  • As an adverb, it means with great effort, intensely, or to a great degree (e.g., "He works hard").

Analyzing 'Hardly'

'Hardly' is an adverb that signifies a very small or insufficient amount or degree.

  • It means 'scarcely', 'barely', or 'almost not'. For example, "He could hardly hear the music."

Comparing Definitions

Let's evaluate the options based on these definitions:

  • Option 1 correctly states 'Hard' means difficult to a great degree (adverbial sense) and 'Hardly' means scarcely.
  • Option 2 is incorrect because 'Hardly' does not mean 'very difficult'.
  • Option 3 is partially correct about 'Hard' but incorrect about 'Hardly'.
  • Option 4 incorrectly equates 'Hardly' with 'never'.

Therefore, the most accurate description matching the common usage and grammatical function of both words is that 'Hard' means difficult to a great degree and 'Hardly' means scarcely.

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