adv
harshly
HAHSH-lee
adv
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishIn a harsh manner.
Common pairings
judge harshly
speak harshly
treated harshly
Word Forms
harshlier comparative, more harshly comparative, harshliest superlative, most harshly superlative
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The referee was criticized for judging the match too _____.
Etymology
From harsh plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.