harshly

Everyday

1. In a cruel, unkind or too strict way: treated harshly. tree →
2. In a rough, unpleasant way to the senses: a light shining harshly, a voice sounding harshly. tree →

In the lessons

In stories about strict teachers, cruel rulers or unfair punishment; in everyday life when someone is judged too strictly. Phrases: speak harshly, treat harshly, judge harshly, punish harshly.

Examples

• The cruel king treated his servants harshly. tree →
• Don't judge yourself too harshly, everyone makes mistakes. tree →
• The coach spoke harshly to the team after the loss. tree →
• The light shone harshly in my eyes. tree →
• The thief was punished harshly. tree →
• The wind blew harshly across the moor. tree →
• She, however, treated him so harshly that he dared not live there altogether. tree →

Note

Adverb from harsh + -ly. Noun: harshness. Opposite: gently, kindly.

In Jewish tradition

Sarai treated Hagar cruelly, so that Hagar ran away.

Interpretation. Tradition says Sarai made Hagar suffer, and some commentators say she was wrong to do so. Later the angel tells Hagar to return, and Ishmael is born.

Examples

• But Abram said unto Sarai: 'Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her that which is good in thine eyes.' And Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her face. (Torah GEN.16.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• These ten times have ye reproached me; ye are not ashamed that ye deal harshly with me. (Writings JOB.19.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adverb from harsh + -ly. Noun: harshness. Opposite: gently, kindly.