sharply

Everyday

1. Sharply means suddenly and by a lot, like a road that turns sharply or prices that rise sharply. tree →
2. Sharply means in an angry or strict way, like speaking sharply to someone. tree →
3. Sharply means very clearly, like a picture that is sharply in focus. tree →
4. Sharply can mean with a sharp point or edge. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science graphs, a line that rises or falls sharply goes up or down steeply and quickly. In stories, a character «said sharply» means they spoke crossly or quickly. Phrases: «turn sharply», «rise sharply», «drop sharply», «sharply dressed» (smart).

Examples

• The road bends sharply to the left. tree →
• The temperature dropped sharply at night. tree →
• «Sit down!» the teacher said sharply. tree →
• The line on the graph goes up sharply. tree →
• She breathed in sharply when she saw the spider. tree →
• The mountains stood out sharply against the blue sky. tree →
• Prices rose sharply after the storm. tree →
• He turned sharply and ran back home. tree →
• "Certainly not," said the cockatrice sharply. tree →

Note

Adverb from sharp + -ly. On a graph, «sharply» means a big change in a short time, so the line is steep. Saying something sharply is not polite; it shows annoyance. Do not confuse with «sharp» used as an adverb meaning exactly: «at 9 o'clock sharp».

In Jewish tradition

Here the men of Ephraim scolded Gideon harshly because he had not called them to the fight against Midian.

Interpretation. Tradition notes Gideon's gentle answer, which calmed their anger, as an example of how soft words turn away wrath.

Examples

• And the men of Ephraim said unto him: 'Why hast thou served us thus, that thou didst not call us when thou wentest to fight with Midian?' And they did chide with him sharply. (Prophets JDG.8.1, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adverb from sharp + -ly. On a graph, «sharply» means a big change in a short time, so the line is steep. Saying something sharply is not polite; it shows annoyance. Do not confuse with «sharp» used as an adverb meaning exactly: «at 9 o'clock sharp».