"Barely" is an adverb used to indicate that something is only just the case or is done to a minimal extent. It often conveys a sense of difficulty or limitation, suggesting that a situation is close to not happening at all. For example, if someone says they "barely passed" a test, it means they achieved a score that was just enough to pass, but not by much. In everyday language, "barely" can describe various situations, such as time, quantity, or ability. For instance, if a person has "barely enough" money, it means they have just enough to meet their needs, but not more. This word helps express the idea of scarcity or insufficiency in a clear and concise manner.