World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesBarely
/ˈbɛər.li/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Only just; by a narrow margin.
"She barely passed the exam, scoring just enough to meet the minimum requirement." - 2
In a way that is hardly or scarcely the case.
"He barely had time to finish his lunch before the meeting started."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Old English word 'bærlīce', combining 'bær' (meaning bare or naked) with the adverbial suffix '-līce'. Historically, it evolved from signifying something done in a plain or naked manner to its modern primary sense of almost not or by a very narrow margin.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Barely"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Barely" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
à peine
Transliteration: a peine
"Elle a à peine réussi l'examen."
kaum
Transliteration: kaum
"Sie hat die Prüfung kaum bestanden."
appena
Transliteration: appena
"Ha appena superato l'esame."
apenas
Transliteration: apenas
"Ella apenas pasó el examen."
mal
Transliteration: mal
"Ela mal passou no exame."
बमुश्किल
Transliteration: bamushkil
"वह बमुश्किल परीक्षा में पास हुई।"
勉强
Transliteration: miǎnqiǎng
"她勉强通过了考试。"
간신히
Transliteration: gansini
"그녀는 간신히 시험에 합격했다."
かろうじて
Transliteration: karōjite
"彼女はかろうじて試験に合格した。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsPlacing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
The cold temperature or biting quality of the air characteristic of winter.
To walk with difficulty, typically because of physical injury or stiffness in the legs or feet.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Barely"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.