adv Uncommon

harshly

HAHSH-lee

Harshly (adv) means In a severe, rough, or unkind way. Example: “The referee was criticized for judging the match too harshly.”

adv

In a severe, rough, or unkind way.

"The referee was criticized for judging the match too harshly."

"He spoke harshly to the new intern."

How to use harshly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn a harsh manner.

Common pairings

judge harshly speak harshly treated harshly

harshlier comparative, more harshly comparative, harshliest superlative, most harshly superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The referee was criticized for judging the match too _____.

From harsh plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.

gratingly raspingly

gratingly

What does “harshly” mean?

The word “harshly” means in a severe, rough, or unkind way. In plain terms, in a harsh manner.

How do you pronounce “harshly”?

“Harshly” is pronounced HAHSH-lee (/ˈhɑːʃli/ in IPA).

How do you use “harshly” in a sentence?

Here is “harshly” used in a sentence: “The referee was criticized for judging the match too harshly.”

What part of speech is “harshly”?

“Harshly” is an adverb.

Is “harshly” a common word?

“Harshly” is an uncommon word in modern English.

gratingly