How Do You Spell BAREBONES?

Pronunciation: [bˈe͡əbə͡ʊnz] (IPA)

The word "barebones" is spelled with two syllables and pronounced as /ˈbɛərboʊnz/. The vowel in the first syllable is pronounced as "air," while the second syllable has the "o" sound. There is a silent "e" at the end of the first syllable, which is responsible for maintaining the pronunciation of the letter "a" instead of the vowel "e." Barebones means the essential or basic components of something without any embellishments, overlays, or extra features.

BAREBONES Meaning and Definition

1. Barebones is an adjective that describes something in its simplest or most minimal form or state, typically referring to a basic or essential version of something. The term can be used to describe various things, including products, systems, or even explanations.

   When used to describe a product, such as a computer or software program, barebones refers to its functionality being limited to only the essential features. These stripped-down versions usually lack any additional or advanced features, aiming to provide a basic structure or foundation on which users can build or customize according to their specific needs.

   In terms of systems or operations, barebones often refers to a minimalistic approach that focuses solely on the core or fundamental components required to function. This can be observed in organizations or businesses where cost-cutting measures may be employed to streamline operations to the essential elements.

   The term can also be used metaphorically in expressing a simplified or concise explanation or explanation of a concept or idea. In this context, barebones signifies stripping away any superfluous details or complexities to deliver a straightforward and easily understandable explanation.

   Overall, the term barebones encapsulates the notion of simplicity, minimalism, and essentiality, emphasizing an absence of non-essential elements or features.

Etymology of BAREBONES

The word "barebones" is believed to originate from the combination of two separate words: "bare" and "bone".

"Bare" is derived from the Old English word "bær", which meant "naked" or "uncovered". It has been in use since the 12th century. "Bare" has also been used metaphorically to connote a lack of ornamentation, simplicity, or scarcity.

"Bone" comes from the Old English word "bān", which refers to the hard, rigid, and structural part of the vertebrate skeletal system. Over time, "bone" has been used metaphorically to represent the fundamental, essential, or basic nature of something.

The combination of "bare" and "bone", resulting in "barebones", thus carries the connotation of something stripped down to its essentials, lacking any extraneous or additional features.

Idioms with the word BAREBONES

• barebones "Basic, essential, or minimal; lacking any additional or unnecessary features or embellishments."