barely

Only just able to do something, because it is very difficult.

• I can barely hear you.
• He could barely stand after the race.
• We barely managed to lift the box.

Similar words: hardly

Common phrases: barely able to, barely manage something, can barely walk

To such a small degree that something is almost not true or noticeable.

• The mark is barely visible.
• Her expression barely changed.
• The music was barely audible from outside.

Similar words: hardly, scarcely

Common phrases: barely visible, barely noticeable, barely touch something

Used before an amount to show that it is very small or less than expected.

• We have barely enough money.
• Barely ten people came to the meeting.
• She ate barely half her lunch.

Similar words: scarcely, only

Common phrases: barely enough, barely half, barely ten minutes

By only a small amount, with almost no room for failure or difference.

• I barely passed the test.
• Our team barely won the final.
• They barely escaped before the roof fell.

Similar words: narrowly, only just

Common phrases: barely pass, barely win, barely escape

Used when one thing has only just happened before another thing happens.

• The film had barely started when she left.
• I had barely sat down when the phone rang.
• He had barely finished before another task arrived.

How to use it: had barely done something when… (We had barely arrived when it started raining.)

Similar words: only just, scarcely

Common phrases: barely begun, barely arrived, had barely finished

Only a very short time ago.

• I barely got here a minute ago.
• She barely called me, so the news is fresh.
• We barely finished lunch, and I am still full.

Similar words: just, recently

Common phrases: barely got here, barely finished something