Definition

The smallest amount or degree of something; the least that is possible.

Example

She wore the barest minimum of clothing for the hot weather.

Conversation

Did you see the art exhibit downtown?

Yeah, I went yesterday! The pieces were the barest interpretations of modern art.

I heard it was pretty minimalistic.

Exactly, but that made some of them really powerful.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Barest → It is formed from "bare" (from Old English "bær", meaning uncovered or exposed) and the superlative suffix "-est" (meaning most). The word "barest" means the most uncovered or exposed, indicating the least amount of covering or adornment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bare' meaning uncovered, and when you add '-est', it indicates the most uncovered. So, 'barest' means the most exposed.

Visually Confused Words