WordGarden.iosharply
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈɑːpli/
US
- /ˈʃɑrpli/
Meanings
Adverb
with a sudden, steep, or strongly marked change in direction, level, or degree
in a severe, curt, or biting way, especially in speech or criticism
with clear focus, exact definition, or strong distinction
Beyond the definition
Imagine a bird turning in the air in one quick move. That is the feeling behind this word. "Sharply" often describes something that changes fast and strongly, like a road turning hard to the left, prices going up fast, or a voice answering in a hard tone. It can also describe something clear and exact, such as a photo focused sharply or a difference shown sharply between two ideas. In many cases, the word adds a sense of force, speed, or a cutting edge.
"Sharply" is an adverb that usually adds the idea of a quick change, a strong edge, or a harsh tone. It comes from "sharp," and it carries that feeling of something pointed, sudden, clear, or severe into many different situations.
In one common use, it describes movement or change: "The road curved sharply to the left" or "Prices rose sharply this month." Here, the word shows that the change was sudden, steep, or strong. This is a very common pattern in news, business writing, and everyday description.
It is also often used for speech and reactions. If someone answers sharply, they speak in a way that sounds rude, impatient, or strict. If a person reacts sharply to a comment, the response may be quick and defensive. In these cases, the word has an emotional bite.
Another important use is about clarity and exactness. A photo can be focused sharply, and a contrast can be drawn sharply between two people, ideas, or periods of time. In this sense, the word suggests clean lines, strong differences, and easy notice.
So the word can point to speed, steep change, harsh speech, or clear definition. Whether you are describing a sudden turn, a rapid rise, a cutting reply, or a clear contrast, "sharply" brings in the feeling of something strong, exact, and hard to ignore.
Examples
- 1
Prices
House prices rose sharply last year.
- 2
Road direction
The road turns sharply to the left after the bridge.
- 3
Sudden reaction
She looked up sharply when she heard her name.
- 4
Angry speech
"Don't speak to me like that," he said sharply.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Legal criticism
The judge sharply criticized the company for ignoring the warning signs.
- Patternsharply criticize
criticize very strongly
- 6
Strong contrast
The two proposals are sharply different in cost and quality.
- 7
Clothing style
He was sharply dressed in a dark blue suit.
- Phrasesharply dressed
dressed in a smart, stylish way
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- increase sharply
- fall sharply
- rise sharply
Word family
Explore
- rate of change
- volatility
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sharplyadverb