Barely or Bearly
Which Spelling is Correct? Confused between "barely" and "bearly"? Learn the correct spelling, meaning, and how to use it properly in your writing.
Bearly
Incorrect spelling - "Bearly" is a misspelling. The correct spelling is "barely" with "bare" not "bear".
"Bearly" is a common misspelling of "Barely". Always use "Barely" when referring to the correct word.
Barely
Correct spelling - The proper way to spell this word.
"Barely" is the correct spelling. It means scarcely or almost not.
Definition of Barely
"Barely": "Barely" is the correct spelling. It means scarcely or almost not.
This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing.
Synonyms for Barely
- • Scarcely
- • Hardly
- • Just
- • Almost not
- • With difficulty
Usage Examples
"Correct:" I barely made it to the meeting on time.
"Correct:" She barely passed the exam.
"Correct:" The room was barely lit.
"Incorrect:" "Bearly" is not used in standard English.
"Incorrect:" Always use barely when referring to scarcely or almost not.
Notes:
- • Barely is spelled with "bare" not "bear".
- • The word comes from "bare" + the suffix "ly".
- • Used to indicate something that almost didn't happen.
- • Common in formal and informal writing.
- • "Bearly" is never correct in any context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "bearly" ever correct?
A: No, "bearly" is never correct. The proper spelling is always "barely."
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of it as "bare" + "ly" - the word means scarcely or barely there.
Q: What's the difference between barely and hardly?
A: Both mean almost not, but "barely" often suggests just enough, while "hardly" suggests almost not at all.
Q: Can barely be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, "barely" is very common in formal writing and is appropriate in all contexts.
Q: Why do people often misspell this word?
A: The misspelling likely occurs because of confusion between "bare" and "bear" or pronunciation patterns.
Q: What are some common phrases using "barely"?
A: Examples include: barely visible, barely audible, barely enough, and barely there.
Summary
Remember: Barely is the correct spelling with "bare" not "bear". It means scarcely or almost not. The misspelling "bearly" is never correct. Use "barely" when referring to something that almost didn't happen or was just sufficient.