SHARPLY

Pronunciation (US):

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does sharply mean? 

• SHARPLY (adverb)
  The adverb SHARPLY has 4 senses:

1. in an aggressive manner

2. in a well delineated manner

3. changing suddenly in direction and degree

4. very suddenly and to a great degree

  Familiarity information: SHARPLY used as an adverb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SHARPLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In an aggressive manner

Synonyms:

aggressively; sharply

Context example:

she was being sharply questioned

Sense 2

Meaning:

In a well delineated manner

Synonyms:

crisply; sharply

Context example:

the new style of Minoan pottery was sharply defined

Pertainym:

sharp ((of something seen or heard) clearly defined)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Changing suddenly in direction and degree

Synonyms:

acutely; sharp; sharply

Context example:

her shoes had acutely pointed toes

Pertainym:

sharp (very sudden and in great amount or degree)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Very suddenly and to a great degree

Synonyms:

precipitously; sharply

Context example:

prices rose sharply

 Context examples 

‘No, I cannot!’ I answered sharply. ‘I have been far too generous with you in money matters.’

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Wolf Larsen’s voice brought me sharply back to myself.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

No answer for an instant, then Laurie asked sharply, "Who told you?" "Jo herself."

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

But Silver, from the other boat, looked sharply over and called out to know if that were me; and from that moment I began to regret what I had done.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

He ceased swimming, but the moment he felt the water rising above his mouth the hands struck out sharply with a lifting movement.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

"They've half got you a'ready, a-talkin' like that," Henry retorted sharply.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

“Ah!” She drew in her breath sharply as one whose doubts are resolved.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

His muscles were surcharged with vitality, and snapped into play sharply, like steel springs.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

Bless and save the man, exclaimed my aunt, sharply, how he talks!

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Again the eyes looked at her sharply, and they saw she was telling the truth.

(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)