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barely

[ˈbɛəli]

barely Definition

  • 1only just; almost not
  • 2in a way that is just possible but only with difficulty

Using barely: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "barely" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I barely managed to catch the train.

  • Example

    She could barely speak English when she arrived.

  • Example

    The company is barely staying afloat.

  • Example

    He was barely conscious after the accident.

barely Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for barely

  • hardly
  • scarcely
  • just
  • only just
  • almost not

Antonyms for barely

Phrases with barely

  • barely there

    something that is very small or difficult to see or notice

    Example

    She wore a barely-there dress to the party.

  • barely enough

    a quantity that is just sufficient, but no more

    Example

    We had barely enough food for everyone at the party.

  • barely make it

    to only just succeed in doing something

    Example

    I barely made it to the meeting on time.

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Summary: barely in Brief

The word 'barely' [ˈbɛəli] means 'only just' or 'almost not'. It is used to describe something that is just possible but only with difficulty. Examples include 'I barely managed to catch the train' and 'She could barely speak English when she arrived'. 'Barely' can also be used in phrases like 'barely there', which describes something that is very small or difficult to see or notice.

How do native speakers use this expression?