barely Definition
- 1only just; almost not
- 2in a way that is just possible but only with difficulty
Using barely: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "barely" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I barely managed to catch the train.
Example
She could barely speak English when she arrived.
Example
The company is barely staying afloat.
Example
He was barely conscious after the accident.
barely Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with barely
Example
She wore a barely-there dress to the party.
Example
We had barely enough food for everyone at the party.
Example
I barely made it to the meeting on time.
Summary: barely in Brief
The word 'barely' [ˈbɛəli] means 'only just' or 'almost not'. It is used to describe something that is just possible but only with difficulty. Examples include 'I barely managed to catch the train' and 'She could barely speak English when she arrived'. 'Barely' can also be used in phrases like 'barely there', which describes something that is very small or difficult to see or notice.