sharply

adverb sharplier · more sharply · sharpliest · most sharply

1. So as to terminate in a sharp point or edge. The stick was sharply tapered at one end.
2. Rapidly, abruptly. When I touched the snake it recoiled sharply.
3. Suddenly and intensely like a gasp, but typically as the result of an emotional reaction.
4. Precisely, accurately. a sharply focused essay
5. Quickly and alertly. Jones, the centre forward, started the game sharply.
6. Of speech, sternly, harshly or critically. When I asked her about her husband, she replied sharply that she had not seen him for several months.
7. Stylishly, smartly. He was sharply dressed in an expensive suit.
8. So as to form a sharp, or tight, angle. Turn sharply to the right.
9. Steeply; precipitously. The road descends sharply.
10. Piercingly; keenly; severely; painfully. His old war wound twinged sharply.
11. In an intellectually alert and penetrating manner. Peter, after the manner of man at the breakfast table, had allowed half his kedgeree to get cold and was sniggering over a letter. Sophia looked at him sharply. The only letter she had received was from her mother. Sophia's mother was not a humourist.
12. In a strongly distinguishing or differentiating manner; acutely. The wealth of this small country contrasts sharply with that of its neighbours.