barely
Almost not; used when something happens or is true, but only by a very small amount.
To almost not happen, exist, or be true; by only a very small margin.
Only; no more than a small number, amount, or time.
Used to say that a number, amount, or time is very small, or just enough and no more.
- Base: barely
- Plural: barelies
barely alive
1in a very weak, near-death state
Used to describe a person, animal, or thing that is so weak or damaged that it seems almost dead.
- The hikers were rescued from the snow, barely alive.
- The plant was barely alive after weeks without water.
- They brought the dog to the vet, barely alive but still breathing.
barely enough
1only just sufficient in amount
Used to say that an amount is just enough and no more, and may not really be sufficient.
- We had barely enough chairs for all the guests.
- His salary is barely enough to cover rent and food.
- There was barely enough time to ask one question.
barely legal
1just at the legal age or limit
Used to say that someone or something is just at the lowest age or level that the law allows.
- The club was full of barely legal students celebrating their birthdays.
- Some people criticize ads that use models who look barely legal.
- He started his own company when he was barely legal to sign contracts.
barely there
1very slight or almost invisible
Used to describe something that is present, but so light, small, or weak that it is almost not there.
- She wore barely there makeup for a natural look.
- The pain is now barely there after the medicine.
- His smile was barely there, but I noticed it.
can barely
1almost not able to do something
Used before a verb to say that it is very hard to do something and you almost cannot do it.
- I’m so tired I can barely think.
- She can barely walk after running the marathon.
- We can barely hear you; could you speak louder?