Definitions
- Describing a situation where something is just enough or almost not enough. - Referring to a small amount or degree of something. - Talking about an action or event that happens only just or narrowly.
- Describing a situation where something rarely or almost never happens. - Referring to a very small or insignificant amount or degree of something. - Talking about an action or event that almost doesn't happen or is unlikely to happen.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe situations with a small or insignificant amount or degree.
- 2Both words can be used to express something happening just barely or almost not happening.
- 3Both words are adverbs that modify verbs or adjectives.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Barely is used to describe situations where something is just enough or almost not enough, while hardly is used to describe situations that rarely or almost never happen.
- 2Frequency: Barely implies that something happens occasionally or narrowly, while hardly suggests that something happens very rarely or almost never.
- 3Negation: Barely is often used in positive sentences, while hardly is often used in negative sentences or questions.
- 4Degree: Barely indicates a slightly larger amount or degree compared to hardly, which suggests a very small or insignificant amount.
- 5Connotation: Barely can have a neutral connotation, while hardly can sometimes imply a negative or critical tone.
Remember this!
Barely and hardly are synonyms that describe situations with a small or insignificant amount or degree. However, there are some differences in their usage and connotations. Barely is used to describe situations that are just enough or almost not enough, while hardly is used to describe situations that rarely or almost never happen. Additionally, barely implies a slightly larger amount or degree compared to hardly, which suggests a very small or insignificant amount.
