Barely: meaning, definitions and examples

👌

Add to dictionary

barely

[ ˈberli ]

^{Context #1}

in a limited way

Used to emphasize that something is only just true or only just the case.

Synonyms

hardly, scarcely

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.

^{Context #2}

in a meager way

Used to emphasize that there is very little of something.

Synonyms

just, scarcely

Examples of usage

He had barely enough money to pay for the meal.
She was barely awake after the long flight.

^{Context #3}

minimal

Only just sufficient in amount; not quite adequate.

Synonyms

minimal, scant

Examples of usage

She made a barely audible sound.
He had a barely noticeable scar on his cheek.

Translations

Translations of the word "barely" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mal

🇮🇳 मुश्किल से

🇩🇪 kaum

🇮🇩 hampir tidak

🇺🇦 ледь

🇵🇱 ledwie

🇯🇵 かろうじて

🇫🇷 à peine

🇪🇸 apenas

🇹🇷 zar zor

🇰🇷 거의

🇸🇦 بالكاد

🇨🇿 sotva

🇸🇰 sotva

🇨🇳 几乎不

🇸🇮 komaj

🇮🇸 varla

🇰🇿 әрең

🇬🇪 სიძნელით

🇦🇿 çətinliklə

🇲🇽 apenas

Word origin

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.