sharply
SHAHP-lee
Sharply (adv) means Suddenly and abruptly. Example: “The road bends sharply to the left just after the bridge.”
adv
1
Suddenly and abruptly.
"The road bends sharply to the left just after the bridge."
"The car turned sharply to avoid the pothole."
"Sales dropped sharply after the price increase."
2
In a harsh, stern, or critical way.
""Don't touch that!" he said sharply, snatching the cup away."
"The teacher looked sharply at the boy and told him to sit down."
"She spoke sharply to the children who were misbehaving."
How to use sharply
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSuddenly and intensely, or in a harsh/critical tone.
Common pairings
rise sharply
fall sharply
speak sharply
turn sharply
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Word forms
- Comparative
- sharplier, more sharply
- Superlative
- sharpliest, most sharply
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The road bends _____ to the left just after the bridge.
Etymology
From Old English sċearplīċe, "sharply, smartly," from sharp plus -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “sharply” mean?
The word “sharply” means suddenly and abruptly. In plain terms, suddenly and intensely, or in a harsh/critical tone.
How do you pronounce “sharply”?
“Sharply” is pronounced SHAHP-lee (/ˈʃɑɹpli/ in IPA).
How do you use “sharply” in a sentence?
Here is “sharply” used in a sentence: “The car turned sharply to avoid the pothole.”
What part of speech is “sharply”?
“Sharply” is an adverb.
Where does the word “sharply” come from?
The word “sharply” comes from Old English. From Old English sċearplīċe, "sharply, smartly," from sharp plus -ly.
Is “sharply” a common word?
“Sharply” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “sharply” have?
“Sharply” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: suddenly and abruptly.
What is the difference between 'sharply' and 'suddenly'?
Both can describe something happening quickly, but 'sharply' adds a sense of abruptness and intensity, as in 'prices rose sharply.' 'Suddenly' simply means without warning, with no added suggestion of steepness or severity.
What is the difference between 'sharply' and 'harshly'?
In its critical sense, 'sharply' means speaking in a stern, cutting way, as in 'she answered sharply.' 'Harshly' is close in meaning but stresses roughness or cruelty, and lacks the quick, cutting edge that 'sharply' suggests.
What words commonly go with 'sharply'?
'Sharply' often pairs with verbs of change and speech, such as 'rise sharply,' 'fall sharply,' 'increase sharply,' 'spoke sharply,' and 'sharply divided.' These collocations draw on its senses of sudden movement or stern criticism.
Does 'sharply' always have a negative meaning?
No. When it means suddenly or steeply ('sales climbed sharply'), it is neutral and simply describes rapid change. It sounds negative only in its other sense, when it describes speaking to or criticising someone in a harsh, stern way.
