# sharply

/ˈʃɑɹpɫi/ (US) · /ʃˈɑːpli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sharply
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. suddenly and significantly

adverb · CEFR B2

suddenly and by a large amount.

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

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

### 3. clearly or precisely

adverb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: with great clarity, precision, or distinctness of detail.

- The mountains stood out sharply against the bright blue sky.
- The new policy contrasts sharply with the previous administration's approach to environmental regulation.

### 4. with a sudden turn

adverb · CEFR B2

changing direction very quickly.

For teachers: describing a sudden or acute change in physical direction.

- The road turns sharply to the left just after the bridge.
- The river bends sharply at the valley floor, creating a natural barrier that has historically protected the village from northern winds.

## Examples

- The price of bread rose sharply this month.
- The road turns sharply to the left after you pass the old bridge.
- Economists noted that consumer spending dropped sharply following the announcement of new tax measures, suggesting a immediate shift in public confidence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.