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bare

bare

122 3.5
Only just enough, with no extra things
  • adjective
  • /bɛr/
translation icon : mínimo
  • This should be a bare minimum, yet too often we're falling short.
  • the bare minimum
  • bare-bones
  • a bare majority

So we took what we felt was the bare minimum starting point.

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Examples

  • It's like doing the bare minimum at work.

  • And so I mean, that's kind of like the bare minimum to keep this going.

  • So we took what we felt was the bare minimum starting point.

  • But really for this, I want to use the truly the bare minimum.

  • But history tells us that bringing anyone to practice involves a bare minimum investment of $100 million each.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Now let's introduce our bare minimum system.

  • A degree stands for, at the bare minimum, a certain list of achievements.

  • So she's just paying the bare minimum on their credit cards.

  • So I've kind of just been doing the bare minimum to keep myself going.

  • To pass the exam, you only need to achieve the bare minimum score of 50%.

Synonyms

simple
vsbare
1.0

Only the basic fact or thing

emphasizes the minimal quantity rather than plain presentation
minimal
vsbare
196 3.3

Very small in amount or degree

means having just enough rather than the absolute smallest amount
meager
vsbare
  • US
48 4.8

Too small in amount or quality to be enough

points to the basic required amount rather than low quality
scant
vsbare
30 5.5

A small amount that is barely enough

means simply the necessary amount rather than implying shortage
spare
vsbare
12 3.9

Simple and plain with very little extra

focuses on having only the necessary amount rather than style
bare-bones
vsbare
6 4.2

Very simple, with only the basic parts that are needed

is the general minimum without any additional parts
skimpy
vsbare
5 5.3

Too small in amount or size for what is needed

denotes the straightforward necessary amount, not a typically inadequate one
stripped-down
vsbare
3 4.8

Has only the basic parts and no extra features

describes the basic amount rather than a deliberately reduced form
scanty
vsbare
2 6.6

A small amount or number that is barely enough

indicates the necessary basic amount rather than a lack
bare-boned
vsbare
6.1

Being very simple and having only the basic parts

refers to the minimum amount rather than a stylistic reduction

Antonyms

1.0

Containing as much as possible with no empty space

77 3.0

Present in large amounts or more than needed

Idioms

Using only your hands and no tools or weapons

1 6.9

There is no food left at home

7.2

Show your teeth to look angry and warn someone

Compounds

29 1.0

Feet that are not covered by socks or shoes

6 4.2

Very simple, with only the basic parts that are needed

4 2.4

Part of the body not covered by clothing

2 7.5

Done without gloves or other protection in fights

bare bones
  • Informal
2 4.1

The most basic facts without extra details

2 7.3

Not wearing clothing over the breasts

Showing very direct, harsh behaviour that ignores rules or politeness

1 7.5

Being rough and fierce in competition or argument, not following rules

1 6.3

A bone with no meat on it

bare hull
  • Specialized
7.9

The empty main body of a ship with no parts or equipment

A simple design that has only the basic parts needed

Being very simple and having only the basic parts

How Much

abundant
77 3.0
adequate
234 2.7
bare
122 3.5
scant
30 5.5
absent
139 1.0

Surface Forms

bare positive

Etymology

Bare meaning 'only just enough' comes from an old English idea of being 'naked' or having nothing extra, like 'bare bones' when only the simplest parts remain. So bare describes the smallest or most basic amount.