What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
faintly
Example
I could hear the faintly whispering wind outside. [faintly: adverb]
Example
The faintly glowing stars were visible in the night sky. [faintly: adverb]
barely
Example
I barely had enough time to finish my homework. [barely: adverb]
Example
The plant barely survived the harsh winter. [barely: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Barely is more commonly used than faintly in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Barely is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while faintly is less common and refers to specific sensory experiences.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between faintly and barely?
Both faintly and barely are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
