# barely

/ˈbɛɹɫi/ (US) · /bˈeəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/barely
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. only just

adverb · CEFR B2

by a very small amount or margin.

For teachers: by a narrow margin; only just. Often used to describe a situation where an action almost failed to occur.

- The music was so quiet that I could barely hear it from the next room.
- The marathon runner barely crossed the finish line before collapsing from exhaustion, having pushed his body to its absolute physical limit.

Usage: Usually placed before the main verb or after the first auxiliary verb.

### 2. almost not at all

adverb · CEFR B2

used to say that something is very small or almost nothing.

For teachers: to a minimal or negligible degree; almost not at all.

- He had barely any money left in his bank account after paying the rent.
- The evidence provided was barely sufficient to support such a controversial theory, leading many experts to remain skeptical of the findings.

Usage: Commonly modifies adjectives or verbs to show a lack of intensity.

### 3. only a moment ago

adverb · CEFR C1 · Literary

only a very short time ago.

For teachers: only just; recently. Often used with 'had' to describe an event that happened immediately before another.

- We had barely sat down to eat when the phone started ringing.
- The sun had barely risen above the horizon when the first scouts returned to camp with news of the approaching army.

Usage: Often used in the construction 'had barely... when'.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.