What does "sharply" mean?
In a sharp manner, in various senses.; So as to terminate in a sharp point or edge.
Sharply
/ˈʃɑɹpli/ adv
adv ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: In a sharp manner, in various senses.; So as to terminate in a sharp point or edge.
- Grammar: sharply is listed as adv.
- Nearest alternatives: acutely, abruptly, acerbically, acutely.
- Useful contrasts: blearily, dreamily, fuzzily.
- Usage evidence: The plane rose sharply before leveling off as it left the coast.
How to use "sharply"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sharply" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "sharply" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "sharply" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "sharply" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "sharply" is acting as adv in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "acutely" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "sharply", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adverb
- 1 In a sharp manner, in various senses.; So as to terminate in a sharp point or edge.
"The stick was sharply tapered at one end."
- 2 In a sharp manner, in various senses.; Rapidly, abruptly.
"When I touched the snake it recoiled sharply."
- 3 In a sharp manner, in various senses.; Suddenly and intensely like a gasp, but typically as the result of an emotional reaction.
- 4 In a sharp manner, in various senses.; Precisely, accurately.
"a sharply focused essay"
- 5 In a sharp manner, in various senses.; Quickly and alertly.
"Jones, the centre forward, started the game sharply."
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 In a sharp manner, in various senses.; 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 In a sharp manner, in various senses.; Stylishly, smartly.
"He was sharply dressed in an expensive suit."
- 8 In a sharp manner, in various senses.; So as to form a sharp, or tight, angle.
"Turn sharply to the right."
- 9 In a sharp manner, in various senses.; Steeply; precipitously.
"The road descends sharply."
- 10 In a sharp manner, in various senses.; Piercingly; keenly; severely; painfully.
"His old war wound twinged sharply."
- 11 In a sharp manner, in various senses.; 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 sharp manner, in various senses.; In a strongly distinguishing or differentiating manner; acutely.
"The wealth of this small country contrasts sharply with that of its neighbours."
Adverb
- 1 in an aggressive manner wordnet
- 2 in a well delineated manner wordnet
- 3 very suddenly and to a great degree wordnet
- 4 changing suddenly in direction and degree wordnet
Example
"The plane rose sharply before leveling off as it left the coast."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sharply"?
Common synonyms include: acutely, abruptly, acerbically, acutely, aggressively, angrily.
How do you use "sharply" in a sentence?
The plane rose sharply before leveling off as it left the coast.
How do you pronounce "sharply"?
Pronounced /ˈʃɑɹpli/.
Etymology
From Middle English sharply, scharply, from Old English sċearplīċe (“sharply, smartly”), equivalent to sharp + -ly.