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sharply

adv.
US //ˈʃɑɹpɫi// UK //ʃˈɑːpli// sharply
  1. 1 suddenly and significantly (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    suddenly and by a large amount.

    describing a sudden, steep, or significant change in degree or amount.

    Example

    Prices rose sharply last month, making it harder for families to buy groceries.

    Example

    The company's stock value fell sharply following the announcement of the CEO's unexpected resignation.

    Usage

    Commonly used with verbs of increasing or decreasing, such as 'rise', 'fall', 'drop', or 'improve'.
  2. 2 clearly or precisely (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that is very clear and easy to see.

    with great clarity, precision, or distinctness of detail.

    Example

    The mountains stood out sharply against the bright blue sky.

    Example

    The new policy contrasts sharply with the previous administration's approach to environmental regulation.
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  1. 3 with a sudden turn (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    changing direction very quickly.

    describing a sudden or acute change in physical direction.

    Example

    The road turns sharply to the left just after the bridge.

    Example

    The river bends sharply at the valley floor, creating a natural barrier that has historically protected the village from northern winds.
Origin

From Middle English sharply, scharply, from Old English sċearplīċe (“sharply, smartly”), equivalent to sharp + -ly.

Word family

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