Barley vs. Barely — What's the Difference?

Barley (Hordeum vulgare), a member of the grass family, is a major cereal grain grown in temperate climates globally. It was one of the first cultivated grains, particularly in Eurasia as early as 10,000 years ago.

Only just; almost not

A hardy cereal with coarse bristles extending from the ears, cultivated especially for use in brewing and stockfeed.

In a simple and sparse way

A grass in the genus Hordeum native to temperate regions, having flowers in terminal, often long-awned spikes and widely cultivated for its grain.

Openly; explicitly.

The grain of H. vulgare or its varieties, used in malt production and as food for livestock and humans.

By a very little; hardly

A cereal of the species Hordeum vulgare, or its grains, often used as food or to make beer and other malted drinks.

In a scanty manner; sparsely

(Singapore) seed of Job's tears Coix lacryma-jobi

(degree) By a small margin.

A valuable grain, of the family of grasses, genus Hordeum, used for food, and for making malt, from which are prepared beer, ale, and whisky.

(degree) Almost not at all.

A grain of barley

(archaic) merely.

Cultivated since prehistoric times; grown for forage and grain

Without covering; nakedly.

Without concealment or disguise.

Merely; only.

But just; without any excess; with nothing to spare (of quantity, time, etc.); hence, scarcely; hardly; as, there was barely enough for all; he barely escaped.

By a small margin;

In a sparse or scanty way;