Definition of "barely" in English

adverb

1. (not comparable, degree) By a small margin.

   • I barely completed my homework. However, I got a score of 5 for it.
   • 1925, Walter Anthony and Tom Reed (titles), Rupert Julian (director), The Phantom of the Opera, silent movie ‘It is barely possible you may hear of a ghost, a Phantom of the Opera!’

2. (not comparable, degree) Almost not at all.

   • The plane is so far away now I can barely see it.
   • Yes, it is barely visible.

3. (Chicano, not comparable) Recently, just now.

   • I barely got to the store.

4. (not comparable, archaic) Merely.

5. (comparable, rare) Openly, clearly, plainly.