The difference between Barely and Hardly
When used as adverbs, barely means by a small margin, whereas hardly means firmly, vigorously, with strength or exertion.
Hardly is also interjection with the meaning: not really.
check bellow for the other definitions of Barely and Hardly
-
Barely as an adverb (degree):
By a small margin.
-
Barely as an adverb (degree):
Almost not at all.
Examples:
"The plane is so far away now I can barely see it."
"Yes, it is barely visible."
-
Barely as an adverb (archaic):
merely.
-
Hardly as an adverb (manner, obsolete):
Firmly, vigorously, with strength or exertion.
-
Hardly as an adverb (manner, archaic):
Harshly, severely.
Examples:
"I can't really deal hardly with people."
-
Hardly as an adverb (now, rare):
With difficulty.
-
Hardly as an adverb (degree):
Barely, only just, almost not.
Examples:
"they hardly ever watch television;  I hardly think they'll come in this bad weather;  it's hardly possible he could lose the election."