Incorrect spelling, explanation: words that have the same pronunciation, but a different spelling and meaning are known as homophones. Two popular homophones are bear and bare – as a result, their spelling is sometimes confusing. It also affects the word barely, which is often misspelled as bearly.
Correct spelling, explanation: the origins of the word barely can be tracked in an Old English word bærlice, which could be translated as clear or public. In the times of Middle English, the meaning of the word has evolved and it had a close meaning to the word exclusively. Today barely is also an adverb, but it has a different meaning than in the past.
Definition of barely:
1. adverb – hardly, a small amount;
He barely studies so I wouldn’t expect that he would pass his final exams.
Phrases and idioms with barely:
Some popular phrases and idioms include:
1. barely hold on – to be very weak;
No wonder he’s barely holding on – he works almost 24/7.
barley make it – to do something just in time, to be almost late;
I overslept and I barely made it to work today.
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barley make it
spelling.
I like this. While in college I majored in English.
Interested to this distinction, now i know this not be confuse any more, thank you this much Mustapha Federal University Dutse, Jigawa Nigeria
Well there is, but with different meaning: Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of bears. We’ll add this exception here, thanks.
So there is no such a word as bearly, no exception?
Very helpful comparison. I am very thankful I found this site simply by googling around. I have saved as a favourite keeping in mind my upcoming dictionary issues!
You know a whole lot it’s almost impossible to argue with this (not that I really would want to…). Great content, just great!