Barely Definition & Meaning

barely
adverb
  1. only a very short time before; "they could barely hear the speaker"; "we hardly knew them"; "just missed being hit"; "had scarcely rung the bell when the door flew open"; "would have scarce arrived before she would have found some excuse to leave"- W.B.Yeats
  2. in a sparse or scanty way; "a barely furnished room"

"Barely" in song lyrics

See how barely is used in real songs:

  • "We meet daily, we sleep rarely, we bend barely"
    Aceyalone — Art Club
  • "When a dust mite harbored spite it barely"
    Aesop Rock — Appleseed Intro
  • "Gas for Huntington and back, barely"
    Aesop Rock — Catacomb Kids

Usage tips for "barely"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "barely" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for barely to find words that pair well.

Use "barely" in a verse

Now that you know what "barely" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

Generate a verse

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