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

  1. Barely as an adverb (degree):

    By a small margin.

  2. 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."

  3. Barely as an adverb (archaic):

    merely.

  1. Hardly as an adverb (manner, obsolete):

    Firmly, vigorously, with strength or exertion.

  2. Hardly as an adverb (manner, archaic):

    Harshly, severely.

    Examples:

    "I can't really deal hardly with people."

  3. Hardly as an adverb (now, rare):

    With difficulty.

  4. 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."