Want to say barely differently? Here are other words for barely and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of barely
The primary meaning of "barely" is to a degree that is barely possible or acceptable.
Etymology of barely
The word "barely" has its roots in Old English, derived from the word "bærelī" or "bærlice," meaning "bare" or "naked," which is also related to the Old Norse word "berr" meaning "bare" and the Proto-Germanic word "baziz," also meaning "bare."
Over time, the meaning of "barely" expanded to include the sense of "only just" or "by a small margin," which is its primary usage in modern English.
Synonyms
hardly
scarcely
just
nearly
almost
marginally
minimally
slightly
faintly
barely
precariously
narrowly
marginally
just
only
merely
exclusively
solely
hardly
nearly
almost
slightly
faintly
imperceptibly
inconspicuously
unnoticeably
obscurely
remotely
faintly
subtly
vaguely
indistinctly
barely
scantily
sparely
Definitions
- Used to indicate that something is only just possible or true
- * Used to indicate that something is very small or minimal in amount or degree
Usage Examples
- She barely made it to the meeting on time.
- * The company is barely solvent.
- * He barely passed the exam.
Antonyms
abundantly
amply
generously
liberally
lavishly
plentifully
copiously
profusely
extensively
widely
largely
considerably
significantly
substantially
noticeably
obviously
clearly
visibly
markedly
distinctly
decidedly
certainly
undoubtedly
assuredly
confidently
definitely