barely
adv. degreeadv. only just or almost not. You use this when you want to say that something is true, but only by a very small amount.
adv. only just; by a very narrow margin. Often functions as a negative or restrictive modifier, implying that the action or state almost failed to occur.
I can barely hear you over the loud music.
The runner was so exhausted that she could barely stand after crossing the finish line.
The lighthouse was barely visible through the thick fog, appearing only as a faint, rhythmic pulse of light against the grey horizon.
From Middle English baarly, bareliche, barely, barly, from Old English bærlīċe, equivalent to bare + -ly. Compare Danish bare (“only, just”), Norwegian bare (“only, just”).
Typically placed before the main verb or adjective it modifies. When used with 'can' or 'could', it sits between the modal and the main verb.
I couldn't barely see anythingI could barely see anythingBarely has a negative meaning, so using it with another negative like 'not' or 'couldn't' creates a double negative.