Part of Speech

Adverb

Pronunciation

/ˈbɛərli/

Definitions

• By a small margin; only just.
• In a minimal or insufficient amount; almost not.
• With little or no effort or difficulty.

Usage Examples

• He barely passed the exam, scoring just enough to move to the next grade.
• The athlete barely managed to cross the finish line in time.
• She barely had enough time to catch her flight.
• It was so quiet that I could barely hear a sound.

Etymology

From Middle English "barely," meaning “scarcely,” a blend of "bare" and "ly," signifying a manner or quality. It has evolved to describe something done in a minimal or just sufficient way.

Synonyms

• Scarcely
• Hardly
• Only just
• Just barely
• Minimally

Antonyms

• Plenty
• Abundantly
• Fully
• Completely

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, "barely" may be pronounced more quickly or in a clipped manner, especially in informal speech. In American English, it might be pronounced with a slight emphasis on the first syllable, whereas in British English, the "r" sound may be more pronounced. In fast-paced conversational English, speakers may blend "barely" with other words, making the pronunciation softer or less distinct.

Historical Usage

The term "barely" dates back to the late Middle Ages, originally derived from Old English "beorlic," meaning "bare" or "scarcely." Over time, it became associated with minimal amounts or conditions, indicating something happening just enough to be noticed or to make an impact. It gained prominence in everyday speech, especially in contexts where small differences or margins were emphasized.

Cultural Nuances

The use of "barely" often reflects a cultural value placed on limitations, scarcity, or marginal conditions. In some cultures, saying something was "barely done" could indicate a sense of achievement despite a lack of resources or a challenging situation. In others, it may suggest a sense of inadequacy, where the result is only just sufficient to meet expectations or requirements.

More Information

"Barely" is often used in contexts of effort, time, and resources to emphasize the minimal nature of something. It can also be used to indicate a feeling of relief, where one just manages to accomplish a task with little margin for error. In literature, "barely" is frequently employed to evoke a sense of fragility or close calls, making it a powerful adverb to illustrate uncertainty or precarious situations.