sharply

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   Suddenly and by a large amount.

   Prices rose sharply over the winter.

2. 2
   adv

   In a severe or critical way.

   She spoke sharply to the children when they misbehaved.

3. 3
   adv

   Clearly and distinctly.

   The mountains stood sharply against the evening sky.

From Middle English sharply, scharply, from Old English sċearplīċe (“sharply, smartly”), equivalent to sharp + -ly.

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