Barely

adverb: barely refers to the idea of something being done to a very limited extent or just enough to get by. It often implies a sense of difficulty or insufficiency, indicating that the action or state described is only just above the minimum threshold, often with a connotation of struggle or urgency. barely can convey the fragility or tenuousness of a situation, suggesting that it could easily turn into failure or unavailability.

Barely meaning with examples

• After weeks of studying, Maria barely passed her final exams, scoring just enough points to secure her place in the next semester. Despite her late-night cramming sessions, the material felt overwhelming, leaving her feeling uncertain. She celebrated her small victory but knew she needed to improve her study habits to avoid such close calls in the future.
• The hiker barely made it to the summit before the storm hit, pushing himself to cover the final few miles even as rain began to pour. Wind whipped around him, and visibility dropped dramatically, but the breathtaking view was worth the struggle. His heart raced as he took in the landscape, fully aware that time was of the essence before he had to retreat.
• In the final moments of the game, the team barely kept their lead, with the opposing players putting up a fierce fight. Each score felt like a small miracle, as they dodged numerous attempts to equalize. The anxiety in the stadium was palpable, and when the final whistle blew, the players couldn’t believe they had held on against such intense pressure.
• She barely had enough money left to pay her rent, prompting her to consider taking on extra shifts at work. The thought of living paycheck to paycheck filled her with stress, making her long for financial stability. Despite the challenge, she remained determined to make ends meet and explore ways to save and invest her money wisely.
• The running back barely avoided a tackle, spinning away just in time to gain a few crucial yards. His agility and quick thinking kept the play alive, showcasing his skills to the crowd. Each game had its challenges, but moments like these fueled his passion for the sport and pushed him to train harder during the off-season.