barely and hardly

[quietdandelion]

Most students in her class could barely/hardly read and write.



Are barely and hardly synonymous here? Thanks.

 

[stezza]

They are quite synonymous.

 

[quietdandelion]

Thanks, stezza.

 

[nh01]

He is so busy that I can hardly/barely see him.

Do both have the same meaning here too? Thanks.