barely discernible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely discernible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult to see, hear, or understand due to its faintness or subtlety. Example: "The outline of the mountain was barely discernible against the twilight sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

fails to spike the group's undercurrents of barely discernible tension.

The New York Times

The action was barely discernible and the mood was nervous.

The New York Times - Sports

"You become a stammerer with a barely discernible stammer".

The New York Times - Books

Mostly, though, there were a lot of barely discernible shrugs.

The New York Times

In the latter, a monster looks out, a barely discernible snarling shadow.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The lubricity lurking inside "Honeysuckle Rose" was barely discernible in her skipping, happy-go-lucky rendition.

The New York Times - Arts

In a given year, there can be hundreds, usually barely discernible micro-events.

The New Yorker

Through the window behind him, Victorian rooftops are just barely discernible in the late-afternoon fog.

The New Yorker

Everywhere I looked, desaturated or barely discernible red things were popping.

The New York Times

They communicate to you through a barely discernible but unignorable veil.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A four-year-old boy in Market Drayton, Shropshire, had a (barely-discernible) mark on his chest.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "barely discernible", consider the audience's perspective. Ensure the context provides enough information for them to understand what is being observed and why its subtlety is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "barely discernible" to describe things that are obviously noticeable. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex. Reserve it for truly subtle or challenging observations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "barely discernible" is to act as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase. It describes a noun by indicating that it is difficult to perceive or notice. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used in formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

15%

Arts

11%

Less common in

Travel

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barely discernible" is a frequently used adjective phrase that describes something subtle or faint, making it difficult to perceive. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and it's widely used across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Arts, and Science. When using this phrase, remember to apply it appropriately to describe truly subtle observations, avoiding overuse in simple descriptions. Consider alternatives like "scarcely perceptible" or "hardly noticeable" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcely perceptible

Indicates something is almost impossible to perceive, emphasizing the minimal level of perception.

scarcely visible

Similar to faintly visible, it focuses on the challenge in seeing something due to its lack of prominence.

barely detectable

Indicates a minimal level of detection, suggesting the signal or presence is weak.

faintly visible

Focuses on the visual aspect of something being hard to see, implying a weak or unclear image.

hardly noticeable

Highlights the difficulty in noticing something, suggesting it blends in or is easily overlooked.

almost imperceptible

Emphasizes that something is nearing the point of not being perceivable at all, stressing subtlety.

virtually unnoticeable

Implies that something is so subtle that it is almost impossible to notice without specific focus.

subtly detectable

Implies something can be detected but only with careful attention, highlighting its understated nature.

marginally perceptible

Suggests the perception is at the edge of being possible, implying a slim margin of detectability.

indistinctly visible

Describes something seen unclearly, its form or details lacking clear definition.

FAQs

How can I use "barely discernible" in a sentence?

You can use "barely discernible" to describe something that is difficult to perceive or detect. For example, "The outline of the mountain was barely discernible against the twilight sky" or "There was a "barely discernible pause" in his voice as he spoke".

What are some alternatives to "barely discernible"?

Alternatives to "barely discernible" include "scarcely perceptible", "faintly visible", or "hardly noticeable", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a barely discernible difference"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "barely discernible" is often used to describe a minimal or subtle difference that is difficult to detect. For example, "There was a "barely discernible difference" in taste between the two wines".

What does "barely discernible" mean in the context of sound?

When describing sound, "barely discernible" means that the sound is very faint or almost impossible to hear. For example, "The only sound was the wind in the trees and, "barely discernible", the far-off throb of a dance floor".