Which Spelling is Correct? Confused between "barely" and "bearly"? Learn the correct spelling, meaning, and how to use it properly in your writing.
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.
Correct spelling - The proper way to spell this word.
"Barely" is the correct spelling. It means scarcely or almost not.
"Barely": "Barely" is the correct spelling. It means scarcely or almost not.
This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing.
"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.
A: No, "bearly" is never correct. The proper spelling is always "barely."
A: Think of it as "bare" + "ly" - the word means scarcely or barely there.
A: Both mean almost not, but "barely" often suggests just enough, while "hardly" suggests almost not at all.
A: Yes, "barely" is very common in formal writing and is appropriate in all contexts.
A: The misspelling likely occurs because of confusion between "bare" and "bear" or pronunciation patterns.
A: Examples include: barely visible, barely audible, barely enough, and barely there.
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.