Definition of barely adverb in oxford advanced learner's dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. You use barely to say that something is only just true or only just the case.
Understanding the Context
Anastasia could barely remember the ride to the hospital. It was 90 degrees and the air conditioning barely cooled the room. The meaning of barely is in a meager manner : How to use barely in a sentence. Something barely there is hardly there at all.
Key Insights
If there are barely any leaves on the trees, then winter is right around the corner. They have barely enough (= no more than what is needed) to pay the rent this month. She was barely (= only just) 15 when she won her first championship. Wordreference random house unabridged dictionary of american english © 2025 bare•ly (bâr′ lä), adv. No more than; He had barely enough money to pay for the car.
Important Details
Learn the meaning of barely in english, including definitions, examples, translations, and interesting facts. Explore how barely is used in different contexts with finesentence. com. Barely is an adverb.
Final Thoughts
It has a totally different meaning from bare. You use barely to say that something is only just true or possible. For example, if you can barely do something, you can only just do it.
