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Wordabulary

barely

Pronunciation
Adverb A1 Beginner

Quick answer

Only just, by a very small amount.

"She barely finished the race before collapsing from exhaustion."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

hardly scarcely

Usage notes

Usually placed right before the main verb, as in "she barely spoke."

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "She _____ finished the race before collapsing from exhaustion."

Answer: barely

In your own words, what does "barely" mean?

Only just, by a very small amount.

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