Barely vs. Scarcely
What's the Difference?
Barely and scarcely are both adverbs that are used to indicate a small amount or degree of something. However, there is a subtle difference in their usage. Barely is often used to indicate that something is just above the minimum threshold, while scarcely is used to indicate that something is close to being completely absent or nonexistent. For example, you might say "I barely passed the test" to indicate that you just passed, but you might say "I scarcely saw any wildlife on the hike" to indicate that you saw very little wildlife. Overall, both words convey a sense of scarcity or insufficiency, but scarcely implies an even greater degree of scarcity than barely.
Comparison
| Attribute | Barely | Scarcely |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Only just; almost not | Only just; almost not |
| Usage | Commonly used in informal contexts | Commonly used in formal contexts |
| Intensity | Can imply a slightly higher degree of scarcity | Can imply a slightly lower degree of scarcity |
| Frequency | More frequently used in everyday language | Less frequently used in everyday language |
Further Detail
Definition
Both "barely" and "scarcely" are adverbs that are used to indicate that something is only just true or possible. They are often used interchangeably in everyday language, but there are subtle differences in their usage and meaning.
Usage
One key difference between "barely" and "scarcely" is their usage in sentences. "Barely" is often used to indicate that something is just enough or barely sufficient. For example, "I barely made it to the meeting on time." On the other hand, "scarcely" is used to indicate that something is almost not true or almost not happening. For example, "He scarcely had any money left in his bank account."
Intensity
Another difference between "barely" and "scarcely" is the level of intensity they convey. "Barely" is often used to indicate a small amount or degree of something. It suggests that something is just enough or barely sufficient. On the other hand, "scarcely" is used to indicate a very small amount or degree of something. It suggests that something is almost not true or almost not happening.
Frequency
When it comes to frequency, "barely" is used more frequently in everyday language compared to "scarcely." This is because "barely" is a more versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts to indicate that something is just enough or barely sufficient. On the other hand, "scarcely" is used less frequently and is often reserved for more formal or literary contexts.
Examples
Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between "barely" and "scarcely":
- "I barely had enough money to pay for my groceries."
- "She barely passed the exam with a score of 60%."
- "He scarcely had any time to finish the project before the deadline."
- "The store was scarcely open for an hour before it had to close due to a power outage."
Similarities
Despite their differences, "barely" and "scarcely" are similar in that they both convey the idea of something being just enough or almost not true. They are both used to indicate a small amount or degree of something, and they are often used in similar contexts to express a sense of limitation or scarcity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while "barely" and "scarcely" are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their usage and meaning. "Barely" is more commonly used to indicate that something is just enough or barely sufficient, while "scarcely" is used to indicate that something is almost not true or almost not happening. Understanding these differences can help you use these words more effectively in your writing and communication.
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