The difference between Barely and Only just

When used as adverbs, barely means by a small margin, whereas only just means recently.


check bellow for the other definitions of Barely and Only just

  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. Only just as an adverb:

    recently; just now

    Examples:

    "I've only just cleaned the floor, and you've made muddy tracks!"

  2. Only just as an adverb:

    barely; by only a small margin

    Examples:

    "I got 51%, so I only just passed the exam."