barely - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
barely Word Meanings
- Only just; by the smallest amount
- With difficulty; not easily
- Just enough to meet a requirement; almost not enough
barely Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
barely Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈbeə.li/
US
/ˈber.li/
barely Word Etymology
Root decomposition: bare + suffix -ly. Origin: from Old English bār 'bare, naked' + adverbial suffix -ly; Middle English. Memory image: imagine a candle casting a line of light barely visible on a dark wall.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I move my hand to the edge of the door and push gently, holding the latch as it gives just enough. I shift my weight to stay steady, feeling a tiny resistance in my arm. I adjust my grip and coax it open, barely a crack. That small moment stays with me, shaping how I talk about things that almost fit.
Real Context
barely is an adverb used to describe something that happens by the smallest margin or with great difficulty, and sometimes to mean 'just enough.' In everyday speech you can say you barely made it, barely touched something, or barely met a requirement. It emphasizes the edge case more than simply 'almost.' It often collocates with verbs of effort or success, or with adjectives like visible or noticeable to signal that something is nearly not the case. When describing quantities, times, or outcomes, barely marks how close you came to missing the mark. Use it sparingly in formal writing, and prefer nearly or scarcely in other contexts depending on emphasis.
Usage Reminders
- Use barely to stress a tiny margin.
- Pair with past tense for past results.
- Avoid with absolute quantities unless you want emphasis.
- Be careful with forms like barely enough versus barely enough to go on.
- Avoid overusing; it sounds dramatic in formal writing.
Common Misconceptions
- Barely means 'almost' in all cases, but it specifically emphasizes a tiny margin or difficulty.
- It cannot describe large quantities.
- It is not interchangeable with 'scarcely' in all contexts; nuance differs.
- Do not use with rosy or optimistic tone.
- Avoid overlapping with 'hardly' in some dialects.
Thinking Differences
In English, barely typically stresses a small margin or difficulty and is common in informal speech about personal effort, results, or time constraints.
Learning Tips
- Notice the margin size: barely implies almost not enough.
- Pair with past tense to talk about past struggles.
- Compare with almost and scarcely to feel nuance.
- Use with verbs of effort or perception for emphasis.
- Avoid overuse; it can sound dramatic in formal writing.
- Practice with time-sensitive scenarios to feel edge cases.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'barely'?
A.Sometimes
B.Always
C.Almost
D.Never
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence below uses 'barely' correctly?
A.The movie was barely good, it made me cry.
B.I barely speak English, it's my native language.
C.He could barely play the guitar, he was a professional.
D.She barely loves to read, she owns a huge library.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'barely'?
A.Scarcely
B.Completely
C.Easily
D.Always
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'barely'?
A.Fully
B.Frequently
C.Abundantly
D.Hardly
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario where 'barely' is applicable?
A.I didn't study much and barely passed the test.
B.I studied hard and aced the exam.
C.I ran so slowly, I barely finished the race.
D.I breezed through the marathon with ease.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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