Definitions
- Describing a close victory or defeat in a competition or contest. - Referring to a situation where something almost didn't happen or almost didn't fit. - Talking about a specific or limited focus on a particular topic or subject.
- Referring to a situation where something almost didn't happen or almost wasn't achieved. - Describing a small or insufficient amount of something. - Talking about a situation where someone is just able to do something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a situation that is close to not happening or being achieved.
- 2Both words can be used to describe a small or insufficient amount of something.
- 3Both words are adverbs that modify verbs or adjectives.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Narrowly is typically used to describe a close victory or defeat, while barely is used to describe a situation where something almost didn't happen or almost wasn't achieved.
- 2Focus: Narrowly often refers to a specific or limited focus on a particular topic or subject, while barely does not have this connotation.
- 3Degree: Barely implies a smaller degree of success or achievement than narrowly.
- 4Intensity: Narrowly can imply a higher level of tension or excitement than barely.
- 5Connotation: Narrowly can have a positive or negative connotation depending on the context, while barely often has a negative connotation.
Remember this!
Narrowly and barely are both adverbs that describe a situation that is close to not happening or being achieved. However, narrowly is typically used to describe a close victory or defeat with a specific or limited focus on a particular topic or subject. On the other hand, barely is used to describe a situation where something almost didn't happen or almost wasn't achieved, often with a negative connotation.
