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 in time or at the last moment.
- Describing a situation where something is in short supply or almost non-existent. - Referring to a very small or limited amount of something. - Talking about an action or event that happens rarely or almost never.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe situations where there is a small amount or degree of something.
- 2Both words can be used to indicate that something is almost not happening or almost non-existent.
- 3Both words are adverbs that can modify verbs or adjectives.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Barely is more commonly used in everyday language, while scarcely is less common and more formal.
- 2Meaning: Barely suggests that something is just enough or almost not enough, while scarcely implies that something is in short supply or almost non-existent.
- 3Frequency: Barely can be used to describe actions or events that happen only just in time or at the last moment, while scarcely is used to describe actions or events that happen rarely or almost never.
- 4Degree: Barely can indicate a slightly larger amount or degree compared to scarcely, which implies a very small or limited amount.
- 5Connotation: Barely has a neutral connotation, while scarcely can sometimes carry a negative or pessimistic tone.
Remember this!
Barely and scarcely are synonyms that describe situations with a small amount or degree of something. However, there are some differences between them. Barely is more commonly used and suggests that something is just enough or almost not enough, often describing actions or events that happen only just in time. On the other hand, scarcely is less common and more formal, implying that something is in short supply or almost non-existent, often describing actions or events that happen rarely or almost never.
