Barely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
barely
[หberli ]
Definitions
in a limited way
Used to emphasize that something is only just true or only just the case.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| barely |
Use 'barely' to indicate that something happened, but only by a very small amount or margin. It emphasizes the minimal degree.
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| hardly |
Use 'hardly' to express that something is almost impossible or just barely possible. It often carries a negative connotation.
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| scarcely |
Use 'scarcely' to indicate that something is true only in a very limited manner. It is often used in a formal or literary context.
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Examples of usage
- I barely know him.
- She could barely see the road through her tears.
- We barely made it in time for the movie.
in a meager way
Used to emphasize that there is very little of something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| barely |
Use this word when something almost didn't happen or only just happened to a minimal extent.
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| just |
This word is often used to emphasize that something happened a very short time ago or to the smallest degree.
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| scarcely |
Use this in more formal writing to indicate that something happened with great difficulty or almost didn't happen at all. It often carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He had barely enough money to pay for the meal.
- She was barely awake after the long flight.
minimal
Only just sufficient in amount; not quite adequate.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| barely |
This word is used to describe something that almost didn't happen or is just enough. It implies a very close margin.
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| scant |
This word describes something that is insufficient or lacking in quantity. It often suggests a shortfall or shortage and may carry a slightly negative connotation.
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| minimal |
Use this word to describe the least amount necessary or very small in quantity. It is often used in technical, scientific, or formal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She made a barely audible sound.
- He had a barely noticeable scar on his cheek.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The term 'barely' frequently appears in song lyrics, conveying feelings of desperation or struggle in love.
- In movies, characters often say they 'barely survived' a challenge, heightening drama and emotion.
- Social media influencers use 'barely' to describe moments just making the cut, like how they 'barely made it' to an event.
Psychology
- People often use 'barely' when discussing stress levels, indicating they just manage to cope with pressures.
- In conversations, saying you 'barely remember' something shows how unreliable memory can be when under stress.
- The concept of 'barely adequate' in psychology highlights feelings of insecurity in performance or ability.
Literature
- Writers often use 'barely' to create suspense, as it implies near failure or close calls for characters.
- In poetry, the term can evoke feelings of fragility and urgency, enhancing emotional resonance.
- Classical literature often contrasts 'barely' with rich descriptions to emphasize the starkness of a situation.
Science
- In scientific terms, 'barely' can describe thresholds in experiments where results are just at the limit of detection.
- Ecologists might say a species is 'barely surviving' in certain environments, indicating its precarious status.
- In physics, describing forces or reactions as 'barely sufficient' highlights limits of efficiency or energy.
Origin of 'barely'
Main points about word origin
- The word has roots in Old English, coming from 'bรฆr', meaning 'bare' or 'naked'.
- The suffix '-ly' is often used to form adverbs, indicating manner or degree.
- Over time, 'barely' evolved to mean 'only just' or 'hardly at all', emphasizing minimalism.
The word 'barely' originated from the Middle English word 'barli,' which means 'only just.' It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. The word has evolved over time to convey the sense of something being just sufficient or only just true. Its usage has become common in both spoken and written English, reflecting its versatility in expressing limited quantities or actions.