Word
harshly
Phoneticsharsh·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɑɹʃɫi/
UK/hˈɑːʃli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is unkind, cruel, or very strict. You use this when someone speaks or acts with a lot of force or judgment.
adv. in a manner that is severe, cruel, or excessively critical. Often describes the way someone speaks, judges, or treats others.
Examples
“The teacher spoke harshly to the student who was late.”
“The critics judged the new film harshly, focusing on the weak script rather than the strong acting.”
“In the high-pressure world of professional sports, even minor mistakes are often punished harshly by both the media and the fans.”
Examples
simple
“The teacher spoke harshly to the student who was late.”
contextual
“The critics judged the new film harshly, focusing on the weak script rather than the strong acting.”
complex
“In the high-pressure world of professional sports, even minor mistakes are often punished harshly by both the media and the fans.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object.
Real-World Examples
“During a week-long hearing, force lawyer Aaron Rathmell told the panel Smith, 52, and Comotto, 37, "acted, hastily, harshly and lost control".” “Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images Sabah were harshly treated by the half-time scoreline, even though United played on the front foot and created openings.” Etymology
From harsh + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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