BARELY Meaning and
Definition
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Barely, often used as an adverb, is defined as a term that indicates something is only just happening or only just true. It can be described as being close to the margin of not occurring or being false. It denotes a situation or condition that is characterized by a narrow or minimal extent, amount, or degree. Barely can also indicate scarcity or insufficiency.
When used in relation to time, barely suggests that an event, action, or condition has occurred or is about to occur at the very last moment or at the final possible opportunity. It implies that something happened with little time or space to spare, emphasizing the narrowness or tightness of the situation.
Barely can also be used to describe an action or condition that is just above the threshold of being inadequate, insufficient, or acceptable. It suggests that something is having difficulty in meeting the necessary requirements or standards, and is barely managing to do so.
In summary, barely is an adverb that denotes something occurring or being just true or just happening. It signifies a narrow, minimal, or insufficient extent, amount, or degree, often emphasizing timing, scarcity, or margin. It is commonly used to indicate that something just meets the required standard or is close to failing to do so.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for BARELY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for BARELY
Etymology of BARELY
The word "barely" has its origins in the Old English word "beran" which meant "to bear" or "to carry". Over time, "beran" evolved into the Middle English word "berly" which meant "openly" or "clearly". Eventually, "berly" transformed into "barely", which in modern usage means "just" or "scarcely". The association between "barely" and its current meaning likely comes from the idea that something that is barely present or visible is "just" noticeable or "scarcely" there.
Idioms with the word BARELY
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to barely make it
The idiom "to barely make it" means to only succeed or achieve something by a very narrow margin or with great difficulty.
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to barely make it on time
The idiom "to barely make it on time" means to arrive at a destination or complete a task just before the designated time, often with very little margin or leeway. It suggests that the person involved almost failed to be punctual or meet the deadline due to various obstacles or delays.
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can barely hear (oneself) think
The idiom "can barely hear (oneself) think" means that there is so much noise or chaos that it is difficult to concentrate or have coherent thoughts. It implies a high level of distraction, noise, or interruption that hinders clear thinking or listening.
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hardly/barely put one foot in front of the other
The idiom "hardly/barely put one foot in front of the other" typically means to walk or move with significant difficulty or exhaustion. It implies a state of extreme fatigue or weakness, where a person can barely muster the strength or energy to take even the smallest step forward.
Similar spelling words for BARELY
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