B1adverbmoney
US/ˈber.li/
UK/ˈbeə.li/
only just; almost not
In context
I was so tired that I could barely keep my eyes open.
We barely caught the last bus home after the concert.
Her salary is barely enough to pay the rent in the city.
Words that go with barely
adverb + adjective
- barely enoughThere was barely enough food for everyone.
- barely visibleThe mountain was barely visible through the fog.
adverb + verb
- can barelyI can barely hear you because of the traffic.
- barely noticedHe changed his hair, but we barely noticed.
- barely surviveMany small shops barely survived the pandemic.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I can't barely see the screen.Correct: I can barely see the screen.