Definitions
- Describing a small amount or degree of something. - Referring to something that is almost not happening or almost not true. - Talking about doing something with difficulty or struggling to achieve it.
- Referring to a short time ago or a very recent past. - Describing something that is fair or reasonable. - Talking about doing something exactly or precisely.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words can be used to describe a small amount or degree of something.
- 2Both words can be used to refer to a recent past or a short time ago.
- 3Both words can be used to emphasize a specific point or action.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Barely is used to indicate something is almost not happening or almost not true, while just is used to refer to a short time ago or to describe something as fair or reasonable.
- 2Degree: Barely implies a smaller amount or degree, while just can imply a moderate or reasonable amount.
- 3Struggle: Barely can be used to describe doing something with difficulty or struggling to achieve it, while just does not have this connotation.
- 4Precision: Just emphasizes doing something exactly or precisely, while barely does not have this emphasis.
- 5Negation: Barely can be used in negative sentences to indicate that something is not happening or not true, while just does not have this usage.
Remember this!
Barely and just are synonyms that can both be used to describe a small amount or degree of something. However, barely is used to indicate something is almost not happening or almost not true, while just refers to a recent past or describes something as fair or reasonable. Additionally, barely can imply struggle or difficulty, while just emphasizes precision or exactness.
