"Barely audible" is a phrase commonly used to describe a sound that is just barely able to be heard. The spelling of this phrase is fairly straightforward when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "b" is pronounced as /b/, the "a" as /ɛə/, the "r" as /r/, the "l" as /l/, the "y" as /j/, the first "a" as /ɔ/, the "u" as /u/, the "d" as /d/, the "i" as /i/ and the "b" as /l/. Together these sounds create the phrase "barely audible."
The term "barely audible" refers to a sound or audio that is extremely low in volume or intensity, to the point where it is barely detectable or difficult to hear. It describes a sound that is so faint or quiet that it is almost on the edge of being inaudible. When something is barely audible, it means that it can be perceived only with great concentration or by having keen hearing ability.
This phrase is often used to describe a whisper, a hushed conversation, or any other sound that is intentionally or unintentionally produced at an extremely low level. It implies that the sound is barely perceivable and may require the listener to strain their ears in order to catch even a hint of it. It is often characterized by a soft, muffled, or distant quality.
The term "barely audible" can also apply to the volume of audio devices, such as speakers or headphones, when they are set to their lowest level. In this context, it describes the minimum sound output capable of being produced by the device.
Overall, "barely audible" is an adjective that describes something that is just barely able to be heard, either due to its natural softness or because it is being produced at an extremely low volume. It expresses the idea of a sound that is right on the threshold of being inaudible.
The word "barely audible" consists of two parts: "barely" and "audible".
The term "barely" originated from the Old English word "bærlice" which meant "openly" or "plainly". It later developed to imply "only just" or "scarcely".
The word "audible" comes from the Latin term "audibilis" which means "capable of being heard". This word is derived from the Latin verb "audire" meaning "to hear".
When combined, the term "barely audible" describes a sound or noise that can only be heard with difficulty, extremely faint, or almost not heard at all.