How many syllables in “barely”?
syllables in "barely"
Word details
Syllables
3
ba · re · ly
Letters
6
b · a · r · e · l · y
Scrabble
11
points
Scrabble letter values
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About the word “barely”
The word “barely” contains 3 syllables, divided as ba · re · ly. It has 6 letters.
FAQ
How many syllables does "barely" have?
"barely" has 3 syllables.
How do you divide "barely" into syllables?
"barely" is divided into syllables as: ba · re · ly.
What is the Scrabble score for "barely"?
The Scrabble score for "barely" is 11 points.
Using “barely” in writing
Three-syllable words like "barely" (ba · re · ly) create a rolling, flowing rhythm in verse. Depending on where the stress lands, they can form dactylic (DUM-da-da) or anapestic (da-da-DUM) feet — common in limericks, ballads, and song lyrics. In haiku, a single three-syllable word covers more than half of a short line.
In word games
In Scrabble and Words With Friends, “barely” is worth 11 base points before any board multipliers. A solid mid-range score. Landing a high-value letter on a double letter square will push your total higher.
Anagrams of “barely”
The letters in “barely” can be rearranged to spell 2 other words: barley, bleary.