Sharply
/ˈʃɑːrpli/
Definitions
2 meaningsIn a sudden, abrupt, and often noticeable way.
/ˈʃɑːrpli/
In a sudden and marked way; abruptly.
The price of oil rose sharply.
💡 Simply: Like when you quickly change directions or when something happens fast. Imagine you're walking and suddenly a dog runs right in front of you. You react *sharply* by jumping back!
👶 For kids: Happening really quickly or suddenly. Like a cat jumping up *sharply* when it sees a toy.
More Examples
The dog barked sharply at the stranger.
The plane banked sharply to avoid the storm.
She criticized his work sharply.
How It's Used
"The car turned sharply at the intersection."
"Profits declined sharply in the fourth quarter."
In a way that shows a high degree of intensity, severity, or precision.
/ˈʃɑːrpli/
With a keen or intense quality.
The comedian's observations were sharply satirical.
💡 Simply: When something is done with lots of force, strong feeling or a very clear focus. Like when you're super focused on your test, you are thinking *sharply*.
👶 For kids: Doing something with a lot of force or care. Like when you draw a picture *sharply* with a pencil.
More Examples
The politician's speech was sharply critical.
The company's profits increased sharply due to new cost-cutting measures.
The detective's investigation proceeded sharply.
How It's Used
"The critic's review was sharply worded."
"He invested sharply in the stock market."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
sharply dressed
Wearing stylish and fashionable clothes.
"He was sharply dressed for the occasion."
sharply defined
Clearly delineated or distinct.
"The boundary between the two countries was sharply defined."
From 'sharp' + '-ly'. 'Sharp' comes from Old English *scearp*, from Proto-Germanic *skarpaz* ('sharp'). The suffix '-ly' is a common adverbial marker in English, originating from Old English *-līce* ('like').
The use of 'sharply' to indicate quickness or suddenness can be traced back to the 16th century. Its use in describing critical or severe language emerged later, in the 18th century.
Memory tip
Think of a *sharp* turn - it's sudden!
Word Origin
"cutting edge; incisive"