Langimage
English

barely

|bare-ly|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈbɛrli/

🇬🇧

/ˈbeəli/

(bare)

lack of covering

Base FormPresentPastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleComparativeSuperlativeNounAdverb
barebaresbaredbaredbaringbarerbarestbarenessbarely
Etymology
Etymology Information

'barely' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'barely', where 'bare' meant 'without covering'.

Historical Evolution

'barely' changed from the Middle English word 'barely' and eventually became the modern English word 'barely'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'without covering', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'only just; almost not'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

only just; almost not.

She barely made it to the meeting on time.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35