sharply
sharply Lexical Profile
sharply Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
With a sudden and marked change in direction, degree, or quantity.
"Housing prices rose sharply across the metropolitan area during the final quarter of the year."
In a severe, stern, or critical manner, especially in speech or tone.
"The instructor spoke sharply to the students who were talking during the examination."
With keen perception, mental acuity, or clear and distinct focus.
"The documentary brings the economic challenges of rural communities into sharply focused relief."
In a stylish, neat, and fashionable manner.
"All the candidates arrived at the interview dressed sharply in tailored suits."
Word Nuance & Usage
While "sharply" is the standard adverb for most meanings, the flat adverb "sharp" is required when indicating an exact time (e.g., "at five o'clock sharp") and when referring to musical pitch (e.g., "she sang sharp").
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English scearplice, meaning "keenly, acutely, or effectively," derived from scearp ("sharp") and the adverbial suffix -lice.