Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
could-barely
phrase
/kʊd ˈbɛrli/
Definition
Used to express a situation in which something is only just possible; indicates a very limited ability or capacity to do something.
Examples
- She could barely stand after the long hike.
- The team could barely finish the project on time.
- He could barely contain his excitement when he heard the news.
Meaning
The phrase ‘could-barely’ suggests that the action was possible, but just at the edge of what someone can do, implying difficulty or a minimal degree of success.
Synonyms
- hardly
- barely
- just about
- scarcely
- almost not
