Word of the Day. "Barely"

Barely

Synonyms: scarcely, hardly, almost not, just, example sentences, etc.

• Part of Speech: adverb
• Definition: means "almost not" or "only just."
• Transcription: / bair-lee / 

Welcome to today’s word of the day! Our focus is on a word that often describes situations where something just happens or is almost not enough—"barely." This word is frequently used in everyday English, making it a great addition to your vocabulary.

"Barely" is used to indicate that something is happening or is true, but only by a very small margin. It suggests that there was almost not enough of something, whether it be time, effort, or resources. When you say something "barely" happened, you’re emphasizing how close it was to not happening at all.

For example, if you say, "I barely passed the test," it means you passed, but your score was just above the passing mark. The word often carries a sense of narrowness or difficulty, highlighting how close the situation was to being different.

Examples:

1. She barely made it to the bus stop before the bus drove away.
2. The battery on my phone is barely charged; I need to find a charger soon.
3. He was barely able to finish the race, but he didn't give up.
4. The food was so spicy that I could barely eat it.
5. They barely spoke to each other after the argument.

Adding "barely" to your vocabulary can help you express those situations where things are just enough, adding nuance to your conversations and writing.

August, 2024

Posted by Oxford Language Club

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